SoCal Home Gardening

Endive

Bitter leaves, often used in salads.

Information on Growing Endive

Endive, also known as chicory, is a leafy green vegetable that can be easily grown in a home garden. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is closely related to lettuce and dandelion greens. Endive has a slightly bitter taste and is known for its crunchy texture. It is a cool-season crop, which means it thrives in cooler temperatures.

Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully grow endive in your home garden:

1. Choosing the right variety: There are two main types of endive: curly endive and escarole. Curly endive has frilly, deeply cut leaves, while escarole has broader, flatter leaves. Both types have similar growing requirements, so choose the one that suits your taste preferences.

2. Preparing the soil: Endive prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. This helps improve soil fertility and aids in moisture retention.

3. Planting seeds: Endive can be directly seeded into the garden or started indoors and transplanted later. Sow the seeds thinly, about � inch deep, and space them around 6-8 inches apart. Maintain a row spacing of around 12-18 inches to allow proper growth.

4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Endive has shallow roots, so regular watering is important, especially during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering as it can promote disease; instead, use drip irrigation or water directly at the base of the plants.

5. Sun and temperature requirements: Endive thrives in cool conditions and prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows best in temperatures between 50�F and 75�F (10�C to 24�C). Avoid planting endive in hot summer months as it tends to bolt and become bitter.

6. Thinning and care: Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out to ensure proper spacing. Remove the weaker seedlings, allowing the strongest ones to grow. This prevents overcrowding and promotes better air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases.

7. Fertilizing: Endive benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, organic vegetable fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Follow the package instructions for the recommended application rate.

8. Pests and diseases: While endive is relatively pest-resistant, it can still be susceptible to common garden pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Regular monitoring and immediate action are essential to control infestations. Use organic pest control methods, such as handpicking, spraying with a strong blast of water, or applying natural insecticides like neem oil.

9. Harvesting: Endive can be harvested when the leaves are of desirable size and firmness. You can either harvest the outer leaves as needed or cut the entire head at ground level. For best flavor, harvest endive during the cooler parts of the day.

10. Storage: Endive can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap the leaves in plastic or store them in a perforated plastic bag to maintain freshness.

By following these steps and providing the necessary care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh and delicious endive from your home garden.

Endive Varieties

See All Endive Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.