Vegetable · Asteraceae family
Belgian endive (witloof)
Cichorium intybus (Witloof Group)
In short a 10-second read
Belgian endive (witloof) (vegetable) grows to 0.3–1.2 m tall and 0.15–0.6 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Sow in May–June. Harvest in October–March. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 0.15–0.6 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, sandy, humus-rich
Soil pH 6.5–8
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
cut back by a third (November)
Sowing
direct sowing: May–June
Harvest
October–March
Winter protection
lift and store over winter
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: lift and store over winter.
- Lift and store over winter
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow Belgian endive (witloof)?
In May–June (direct sowing).
When is Belgian endive (witloof) harvested?
In October–March.
Does Belgian endive (witloof) tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does Belgian endive (witloof) need?
At maturity 0.15–0.6 m wide and 0.3–1.2 m tall; recommended spacing 15 cm.
Does Belgian endive (witloof) survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: lift and store over winter.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (10)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Cichorium intybus
- RHS: Chicory – Grow Your Own
- USU Extension: How to Grow Chicory in Your Garden
- Oregon State University: Witloof Chicory (Belgian Endive)
- Pl@ntUse — Cichorium intybus Witloof Group
- Wikidata (CC0) — Belgian endive
- GBIF species/match — Cichorium intybus: ACCEPTED SPECIES
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
