Vegetable · Asteraceae family
endive
Cichorium endivia
In short a 10-second read
Endive (vegetable) grows to 0.25–0.6 m tall and 0.25–0.45 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Sow in May–August. Harvest in June–October.
× spread 0.25–0.45 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 5.5–8
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
harvest regularly (as needed)
Sowing
direct sowing: May–August
Harvest
June–October
Winter protection
does not overwinter
What to combine it with
Ready-made combinations.
Ready-made Studio combinations that include endive
Lettuce, chard, spinach and endive — green leaves for quick harvests,…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow endive?
In May–August (direct sowing).
When is endive harvested?
In June–October.
Does endive tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does endive need?
At maturity 0.25–0.45 m wide and 0.25–0.6 m tall; recommended spacing 30 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (7)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Cichorium endivia
- RHS — Endive — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Cichorium endivia
- EPPO Global Database — Cichorium endivia
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
.jpg){kind=link}