SoCal Home Gardening

Frisee

Curly, bitter chicory, used in gourmet salads.

Information on Growing Frisee

Frisee, also known as curly endive or chicory, is a leafy vegetable that is widely appreciated for its slightly bitter and unique flavor. Growing frisee in a home garden can be a rewarding experience as it is relatively easy to cultivate. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you successfully grow frisee in your garden:

1. Select a suitable site: Frisee performs best in cool weather conditions, so choose a location that receives partial shade to protect the plants during hot summer afternoons. Make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.

2. Prepare the soil: Start by loosening the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches using a garden fork or tiller. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris. Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage.

3. Sow the seeds: Frisee can be directly sown into the garden soil or started indoors and transplanted later. If sowing directly, plant the seeds about � to � inch deep, spacing them around 6 to 8 inches apart. To ensure a continuous harvest, sow a new batch of seeds every two weeks.

4. Provide adequate water: Frisee prefers consistently moist soil, so water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering, as excess water can lead to root rot. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

5. Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to maintain proper spacing and provide enough airflow to prevent diseases. Thin to a spacing of around 12 to 16 inches between plants.

6. Fertilize appropriately: Frisee benefits from regular feeding with a balanced organic fertilizer. Apply fertilizer according to the package instructions, usually once a month, to ensure adequate nutrient supply and promote healthy growth.

7. Protect from pests: Frisee is generally not highly susceptible to pests. However, watch out for common garden pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like handpicking or spraying insecticidal soap to keep pests under control.

8. Harvesting: Frisee leaves can be harvested when they reach a desirable size, usually around 8 to 10 inches in length. To harvest, simply cut the outer leaves at the base, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Regular harvesting promotes the growth of new leaves and extends the harvest period.

9. Storage and use: Frisee is best consumed fresh, so use it as soon as possible after harvesting. If needed, store it in a plastic bag or container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Frisee is delicious in salads, stir-fries, soups, or saut�ed as a side dish.

10. Crop rotation: To prevent diseases and maintain soil fertility, it is advisable to rotate the planting location of frisee every year. Avoid planting it in the same spot where other members of the chicory family (such as radicchio or Belgian endive) were grown the previous year.

By following these steps and taking good care of your frisee plants, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this flavorful and nutritious vegetable right from your own home garden. Happy gardening!

Frisee Varieties

See All Frisee 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.