Description
Curly Endive (Cichorium endivia var. crispum), known in Italian as Indivia Riccia, is a popular leafy vegetable recognised for its finely curled, deeply cut green leaves and tender, pale centre. It has a pleasantly crisp texture and a slightly bitter flavour, making it a favourite in Mediterranean cuisine.
Perfect for fresh salads, mixed greens, soups and sautéed vegetable dishes, Curly Endive is a nutritious and versatile addition to home vegetable gardens. It grows particularly well during Malta’s cooler months and can provide generous harvests of fresh leaves.
🌱 Growing Instructions
☀️ Sunlight: Prefers 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. Benefits from partial afternoon shade during warmer weather.
💧 Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering helps maintain tender leaves and prevents excessive bitterness.
🌱 Soil: Plant in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
🌡️ Temperature: Grows best between 10°C–22°C. Excessive heat can encourage premature flowering and increase bitterness.
📏 Spacing: Allow approximately 25–30 cm between plants for healthy leaf development and good air circulation.
🌾 Fertilizer: Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during active growth, following product instructions.
✂️ Harvesting: Harvest outer leaves as needed or cut the entire head when fully developed, typically 60–90 days after transplanting. The centre can be blanched before harvesting to produce paler, milder leaves.
🌿 Local Growing Tips (Malta)
Best planting season: September to March, when temperatures are cooler and more suitable for leafy vegetable growth.
Position: Sunny vegetable gardens, raised beds or large containers. Provide afternoon shade during warmer periods.
Companion plants: Carrots, radishes, onions and spring onions.
Common issue: Hot weather or irregular watering can cause premature flowering (bolting) and bitter leaves. Maintain consistent moisture and protect plants from excessive heat.
📦 Product Information
Variety: Indivia Riccia (Curly Endive)
Botanical Name: Cichorium endivia var. crispum
Plant Type: Leafy Vegetable Seedling
Quantity: 12 Seedlings per Tray
Maturity: Approximately 60–90 days after transplanting
Harvest Season: Autumn to Spring
Special Characteristics: Finely curled green leaves, crisp texture and a mildly bitter flavour. Suitable for fresh salads and cooked dishes.
Important Information
Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The price is per one tray of 12 seedlings.
