Endive, 'Encornet de Bordeaux'

Germination

Sow directly. In the autumn prior to sowing dig in plenty of well rotted organic matter. Sow thinly, 10mm deep into well prepared soil and cover with fine soil. Firm down surface after sowing. Rows should be 30cm apart. Germination takes 3-7 days. Thin seedlings as soon as the first true leaves appear. Continue thinning until plants are 30cm apart.

Growing

Prefers a light, rich free draining soil. Will grow in any soil as long as it is not waterlogged. Dry soil can cause bolting so keep the soil moist. Higher temperatures encourage bitterness. Mulch and keep weed free. Liquid feed every 2 weeks with a general fertiliser. Best blanched a few days prior to harvest approx. 12 weeks after sowing. Tie leaves together and cover with a plastic pot to exclude light (cover drainage holes in the pot if present). Blanching takes 3 weeks in summer, 5 weeks in winter. Blanch a little at a time to ensure a continuous supply.

Cultivation

To harvest sever the head with a sharp knife when the leaves have turned creamy white.