Chicory and endive seed buying guide

Choose the Right Chicory and Endive Seeds

Chicory and endive are cool-season leafy vegetables belonging to the genus Cichorium. They are grown for their crisp leaves, distinctive texture and mild to pronounced bitterness, with different varieties suited to salads, cooking, baby leaf production and mature rosette harvesting.

Seedmart supplies chicory and endive seeds for home gardeners, market gardeners and commercial leafy vegetable growers throughout Australia. Choose finely curled green endive for textured salad leaves or Italian chicory for upright green foliage with contrasting red stems.

The best variety will depend on the leaf shape, colour, flavour intensity, harvest stage and growing conditions you require.

Why Grow Chicory and Endive?

Cool-Season Greens

Chicory and endive produce their best leaf quality during cool to mild growing conditions.

Distinctive Leaves

Choose finely curled, broad, upright or coloured-stemmed foliage for different salads and vegetable dishes.

Repeated Harvesting

Many plants can provide multiple leaf harvests when the growing point remains healthy.

Suitable for Containers

Grow chicory and endive in pots, troughs and raised planters with adequate soil depth and drainage.

Fresh or Cooked

Use the leaves in salads, braised dishes, soups, sautés and mixed vegetable recipes.

Packet and Larger Quantities

Choose smaller packs for household gardens or larger quantities for repeated and commercial production.

Chicory and Endive for Different Growing Goals

Some varieties are selected for finely cut salad leaves, while others are grown for upright foliage, coloured stems, baby leaf production or repeated mature harvesting.

Growing Goal Recommended Type Why Choose It?
Finely curled salad leaves Green Curled Ruffec Endive Produces deeply divided green leaves with a crisp texture and distinctive appearance.
Italian leafy chicory Italiko Rosso Chicory Develops upright green leaves with contrasting red stems for fresh or cooked use.
Baby leaf production Chicory or endive Young leaves can be harvested before plants reach full mature size.
Strong texture Curled endive Finely cut leaves add volume, texture and visual interest to mixed salads.
Colour contrast Italiko Rosso Red stems contrast with green leaves in fresh bunches and mixed-leaf products.
Repeated picking Leaf chicory Outer leaves may be harvested progressively while central growth remains intact.
Market garden production Both types Suitable for specialty salad mixes, fresh bunches and restaurant supply.
Container growing Curled endive and leaf chicory Both can be grown in adequately sized pots with reliable moisture and sunlight.

What Is Chicory?

Chicory is a group of leafy vegetables in the genus Cichorium. Depending on the variety, chicory may be grown for green leaves, red-stemmed foliage, dense coloured heads, edible roots or forced pale shoots.

Vegetable chicory generally develops a pleasantly bitter flavour that becomes stronger as the leaves mature or when plants experience heat and moisture stress.

The name chicory can refer to several distinct crops:

Leaf Chicory

Grown for loose or upright leaves that may be eaten young, mature, fresh or cooked.

Radicchio

A heading or semi-heading chicory commonly producing red or burgundy leaves with contrasting pale ribs.

Belgian Endive

A specialised form of chicory grown through a two-stage forcing process to produce pale compact shoots.

Root Chicory

Selected for enlarged roots that may be roasted and used in beverages or processed for other purposes.

This category is intended for vegetable leaf production. Root chicory and Belgian endive forcing require different varieties and growing methods from ordinary garden chicory and curled endive.

What Is Endive?

Endive is a leafy vegetable generally classified as Cichorium endivia. It is cultivated for crisp green leaves with a fresh, mildly bitter flavour.

Two major endive forms are commonly recognised:

Curled Endive

Curled endive develops finely divided leaves that form an open or semi-dense rosette.

  • Fine, frilled leaf edges
  • Crisp texture
  • Useful in salad mixes
  • May be harvested young or mature

Broadleaf Endive

Broadleaf forms, sometimes called escarole, produce wider and less divided leaves.

  • Broader leaf blades
  • Substantial mature rosettes
  • Suitable for salads and cooking
  • Generally milder inner leaves

Are Chicory and Endive the Same?

Chicory and endive are closely related but are not always the same crop. Both belong to the genus Cichorium, and common names are used inconsistently between countries, seed suppliers and culinary traditions.

Chicory Endive
Usually refers to plants within Cichorium intybus. Usually refers to plants within Cichorium endivia.
Includes leaf chicory, radicchio, root chicory and Belgian endive types. Includes curled endive and broadleaf escarole types.
Leaves may be upright, broad, red-stemmed or formed into coloured heads. Leaves are commonly green and either finely curled or broad.
May be grown for leaves, heads, roots or forced shoots. Primarily grown as a leafy salad and cooking vegetable.
Often has a firm texture and noticeable bitterness. Usually crisp with mild to moderate bitterness.
Check the botanical name and product description. The words chicory, endive and radicchio can overlap in retail and culinary usage, so the individual variety characteristics are more useful than the common name alone.

Chicory, Endive and Radicchio

Radicchio is a type of cultivated chicory rather than an unrelated vegetable. It is generally grown for compact or semi-compact heads with red, burgundy or variegated leaves.

Type Typical Appearance Common Use
Leaf chicory Loose or upright green foliage, sometimes with red stems. Salads, sautéing, soups and cooked greens.
Curled endive Finely divided, frilled green leaves. Salad mixes, garnishes and lightly cooked dishes.
Escarole Broad green leaves forming a loose rosette. Salads, soups, braising and sautéing.
Radicchio Red or burgundy leaves, often with white ribs. Salads, grilling, roasting and braising.
Belgian endive Pale, tightly packed forced shoots. Fresh appetisers, salads, baking and braising.

What Does Chicory Taste Like?

Chicory has a fresh, earthy and characteristically bitter flavour. Young leaves are generally milder, while mature foliage may develop a stronger taste.

Flavour is influenced by:

Harvest Stage

Young or Mature Leaves

Baby leaves are usually tender and mild, while mature leaves develop stronger texture and bitterness.

Temperature

Cool or Hot Conditions

Cool weather generally supports milder leaf quality, while heat can intensify bitterness.

Moisture

Steady or Stressed Growth

Consistent moisture promotes tender leaves, while drought stress can produce a stronger flavour.

Preparation

Fresh or Cooked

Cooking can soften the leaves and moderate some of their bitterness.

Blanching

Paler Inner Leaves

Reducing light around the centre of some endive plants can produce paler, milder leaves.

Variety

Different Leaf Types

Curled endive, leaf chicory and radicchio each provide a different balance of bitterness and texture.

How to Grow Chicory and Endive in Australia

Chicory and endive generally grow best through cool to mild conditions. They require fertile, free-draining soil, good sunlight and steady moisture for tender leaf production.

Choose a Mild Season

Plan sowing so the main leaf growth occurs before prolonged summer heat.

Prepare Fertile Soil

Incorporate suitable organic matter where required and remove competing weeds.

Maintain Moisture

Consistent watering supports tender leaves and helps limit excessive bitterness.

Harvest Regularly

Pick young leaves or allow plants to develop mature rosettes according to the intended use.

Heat and drought can reduce leaf quality. Plants exposed to prolonged stress may develop tougher leaves, increased bitterness or premature flowering.

When to Plant Chicory and Endive in Australia

The best sowing period depends on the local climate. Chicory and endive are commonly planted from late summer through autumn, although cool-climate growers may have a broader window.

Climate Zone General Sowing Period Growing Notes
Cool August to March Sow from late winter through summer, avoiding establishment during severe frost or extreme heat.
Temperate February to October Autumn and spring are generally reliable, with winter production possible in mild districts.
Subtropical March to August Grow through the cooler and less humid part of the year.
Tropical April to July Plant during the coolest dry-season conditions and provide reliable moisture.
Arid March to May and August to October Avoid extreme heat and maintain consistent irrigation.

These planting periods are general guides. Local frost dates, elevation, rainfall, seasonal temperatures and extreme weather should also be considered.

When to Plant Chicory and Endive in Australian States

Regional planting periods should be adjusted according to local heat, frost and rainfall patterns.

Location General Planting Guide Key Considerations
Brisbane and South East Queensland March to August Grow through autumn and winter before hot, humid conditions return.
Sydney and coastal New South Wales February to October Autumn and spring are reliable, with winter sowing possible in mild coastal locations.
Inland New South Wales March to May and August to October Avoid severe frost during establishment and extreme summer heat.
Melbourne and Victoria February to October Cool-season planting supports tender growth and helps reduce excessive bitterness.
Adelaide and South Australia March to September Concentrate production through autumn, winter and early spring.
Perth and south-west Western Australia March to September Autumn through early spring generally provides favourable conditions.
Tasmania August to March Use the long cool growing season while accounting for severe frost and slower winter growth.
Darwin and tropical northern Australia April to July Grow only during the coolest part of the dry season.

How to Grow Chicory from Seed

Chicory may be direct-sown into prepared soil or raised in seedling trays before transplanting. Direct sowing reduces root disturbance, while tray production provides greater control over early spacing and protection.

  1. Prepare the soil or seed-raising mix.
    Use a loose, free-draining medium that remains evenly moist.
  2. Sow shallowly.
    Plant chicory seed approximately 5–10 mm deep and cover lightly.
  3. Water gently.
    Moisten the seedbed without washing the fine seeds out of position.
  4. Maintain even moisture.
    Do not allow the surface to dry completely during germination.
  5. Thin or transplant seedlings.
    Provide adequate spacing before plants become heavily crowded.
  6. Maintain steady growth.
    Water consistently and control weeds while the rosettes develop.
  7. Harvest at the desired stage.
    Cut baby leaves young or allow plants to mature for larger leaves and repeated harvesting.
Sow smaller batches at intervals. Successive sowings can provide a more continuous supply of tender leaves through the cool growing season.

How to Grow Endive from Seed

Endive can be direct-sown or raised in trays and transplanted while young. Curled varieties require sufficient space to form broad leafy rosettes.

Direct sow into shallow rows or sow individual seeds in cells. Keep the growing medium moist and provide bright light after emergence.

Thin or transplant the seedlings once they have several true leaves. Avoid allowing young plants to become severely root-bound, as interrupted growth may reduce final rosette size or encourage premature flowering.

How Deep Should Chicory and Endive Seeds Be Planted?

Plant chicory and endive seeds approximately 5–10 mm deep. Cover the seed lightly with fine soil or seed-raising mix.

Seedling Trays

Use a clean, fine-textured seed-raising mix.

  • Sow approximately 5 mm deep
  • Cover lightly
  • Water with a gentle spray
  • Provide bright light after emergence

Direct Sowing

Sow into a prepared, weed-free bed.

  • Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep
  • Keep the row consistently moist
  • Thin seedlings promptly
  • Protect from slugs and snails

How Long Do Chicory and Endive Seeds Take to Germinate?

Chicory and endive seeds commonly germinate within approximately 5–14 days under suitable conditions.

Temperature

Cool to mild temperatures generally support reliable emergence and compact seedling growth.

Moisture

Maintain even moisture without leaving the seedbed continually saturated.

Sowing Depth

Light covering protects the seed from drying while allowing easy emergence.

Seedling Light

Provide strong light after germination to prevent weak, elongated seedlings.

How Far Apart Should Chicory and Endive Be Planted?

Spacing depends on whether plants will be harvested as baby leaves or allowed to form mature rosettes.

Harvest Type Approximate Plant Spacing General Result
Baby leaf Closely sown Dense planting for harvesting tender young leaves before mature rosettes form.
Small leaf plants Approximately 15–20 cm Produces compact plants for young whole-leaf harvesting.
Mature leaf chicory Approximately 25–30 cm Provides room for upright leaves and repeated outer-leaf picking.
Mature curled endive Approximately 25–35 cm Allows broad rosettes to develop without excessive crowding.
Row spacing Approximately 30–45 cm Provides access for weeding, watering and harvesting.

How Long Does Chicory Take to Grow?

Leaf chicory may be ready for young-leaf harvesting within approximately 30–45 days, while mature plants commonly require around 60–90 days.

Harvest Stage Typical Period General Characteristics
Baby leaves Approximately 25–40 days Young, tender foliage with a generally milder flavour.
Young plants Approximately 40–60 days Useful leaf volume without full mature size.
Mature leaf chicory Approximately 60–90 days Larger leaves suited to repeated harvesting and cooking.
Root chicory Usually longer Requires a specific root variety and a production method different from ordinary leaf chicory.

How Long Does Endive Take to Grow?

Endive can commonly be harvested as baby leaf within approximately 30–45 days. Mature curled rosettes generally require around 60–90 days, depending on variety and growing conditions.

Temperature, spacing, soil fertility, moisture and harvest size all influence maturity.

Growing Chicory and Endive in Pots

Chicory and endive can be grown successfully in pots, troughs and raised containers.

Container Requirements

Choose a container that allows sufficient root depth and leaf spread.

  • Use at least 20–30 cm of soil depth
  • Provide unrestricted drainage
  • Select a fertile, good-quality potting mix
  • Position in full sun or bright light

Container Management

Potted plants require regular moisture because containers dry more rapidly than garden soil.

  • Water before the mix dries severely
  • Avoid prolonged waterlogging
  • Thin crowded plants
  • Harvest outer leaves regularly

Can Chicory Grow in Shade?

Chicory performs best in full sun during cool weather but can tolerate light partial shade. Some afternoon protection may help maintain leaf quality as temperatures rise.

Deep shade may result in weak growth, reduced leaf production and loosely formed plants.

How to Harvest Chicory

Leaf chicory may be harvested as individual outer leaves, young whole plants or a complete mature rosette.

Baby Leaves

Cut young leaves while they remain tender and mild.

Outer Leaves

Pick the largest outer leaves and leave the central growing point intact.

Whole Plants

Cut mature rosettes near soil level when they reach the required size.

Regrowth

Healthy leaf chicory may produce additional growth after a moderate harvest.

How to Harvest Endive

Curled endive can be harvested by removing individual outer leaves or cutting the complete rosette.

Harvest during the cooler part of the day where possible. Leaves are generally most tender before the plant experiences prolonged heat or begins producing a flower stem.

Use clean equipment and cool the harvested leaves promptly to preserve crispness.

Can Chicory Be Harvested More Than Once?

Yes. Many leaf chicory plants can provide repeated harvests when outer leaves are removed without damaging the central growing point.

Regrowth depends on:

  • Leaving sufficient healthy foliage
  • Maintaining soil moisture
  • Providing adequate fertility
  • Harvesting before severe heat or flowering
  • Avoiding damage to the crown

How to Reduce Bitterness in Chicory and Endive

Bitterness is a normal characteristic of chicory and endive, but growing and preparation methods influence its intensity.

Grow in Cool Weather

Leaves grown during mild conditions are generally less harsh than those exposed to prolonged heat.

Water Consistently

Avoid repeated drought stress, which can produce tougher and more bitter foliage.

Harvest Young

Baby leaves are generally milder than mature leaves.

Blanch the Centre

Some mature endive plants can be tied or covered briefly to produce paler inner leaves.

Cook the Leaves

Sautéing, braising or blanching can soften mature leaves and moderate bitterness.

Balance Flavours

Pair bitter leaves with sweet, salty, creamy or acidic ingredients.

Using Chicory and Endive

Chicory and endive can be used fresh or cooked, depending on leaf age and flavour intensity.

Fresh

Salads and Mixed Leaves

Combine young chicory or curled endive with milder lettuce, herbs and other salad greens.

Sautéed

Quick-Cooked Greens

Cook mature leaves briefly with olive oil, garlic or other vegetables.

Braised

Slow-Cooked Leaves

Braising softens firm leaves and moderates their bitterness.

Soups

Leafy Vegetable Soups

Add chopped chicory or endive to soups, broths and bean dishes.

Grilled

Mature Chicory and Radicchio

Firm varieties can be grilled or roasted to develop a deeper flavour.

Mixed

Specialty Leaf Blends

Use coloured stems and frilled leaves to add texture and visual contrast.

Common Chicory and Endive Growing Problems

Excessive Bitterness

Heat, drought stress and over-mature leaves can intensify bitterness.

Premature Flowering

Temperature stress, plant maturity and seasonal change can cause plants to bolt.

Small Rosettes

Crowding, low fertility, insufficient light and root-bound seedlings can restrict growth.

Damaged Leaves

Slugs, snails, caterpillars and leaf-chewing insects may damage young plants.

Leaf Rot

Poor airflow, overhead watering and prolonged wet conditions can damage dense foliage.

Weak Seedlings

Insufficient light after germination can produce elongated, fragile growth.

Packet and Bulk Chicory and Endive Seeds

Home and Small-Scale Growers

Smaller seed quantities are suitable for household gardens, containers and growers trialling stronger-flavoured leafy vegetables.

  • Grow young leaves for mixed salads
  • Trial curled and upright leaf forms
  • Suitable for raised beds and containers
  • Use successive sowings for regular harvests

Market Gardens and Commercial Growers

Larger quantities can be more economical for growers producing baby leaf, specialty bunches and mature salad greens.

  • Suitable for scheduled production
  • Useful for restaurant and fresh-market supply
  • Grow for baby leaf or mature rosettes
  • Compare germination, leaf yield and harvest labour
Compare value by saleable leaf yield. Germination, planting density, crop uniformity, growing time and usable harvested foliage all influence the actual cost of production.

Important Considerations for Commercial Growers

Commercial chicory and endive production requires varieties suited to the intended harvest stage, customer expectations and seasonal conditions.

Leaf Uniformity

Even emergence and consistent leaf shape improve the appearance of bunches and mixed-leaf products.

Flavour Intensity

Select crops according to whether customers expect mild baby leaves or strongly flavoured mature foliage.

Harvest Method

Baby leaf, outer-leaf picking and whole-rosette harvesting require different spacing and labour.

Seasonal Timing

Plan crops so harvest occurs before heat causes coarse texture, excessive bitterness or bolting.

Post-Harvest Quality

Cool harvested leaves promptly and protect them from moisture loss and physical damage.

Market Demand

Confirm demand for curled endive, Italian chicory, baby leaf and mature cooking greens before large sowings.

Conduct production trials before large commercial sowings. Leaf shape, colour, bitterness, maturity and bolting can vary with planting date, temperature, soil, irrigation and crop density.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chicory?

Chicory is a group of plants in the genus Cichorium. Vegetable types may be grown for loose leaves, coloured heads, edible roots or pale forced shoots.

What is chicory called in Australia?

The name chicory is commonly used in Australia, although individual types may also be sold as radicchio, Italian chicory, Belgian endive or leaf chicory.

What is endive?

Endive is a leafy vegetable generally belonging to Cichorium endivia. It includes finely curled types and broader-leaved forms commonly called escarole.

Are chicory and endive the same?

They are closely related but not always the same crop. Chicory usually refers to Cichorium intybus, while curled and broadleaf endive generally belong to Cichorium endivia.

Is radicchio the same as chicory?

Radicchio is a cultivated form of chicory, usually grown for red or burgundy leaves with contrasting pale ribs.

Is Belgian endive the same as ordinary endive?

No. Belgian endive is a forced form of chicory produced from mature roots in darkness. Ordinary curled endive is grown directly as a leafy garden vegetable.

What does chicory taste like?

Chicory has a fresh, earthy and pleasantly bitter flavour. Young leaves are generally milder, while mature or heat-stressed foliage can taste stronger.

How do you grow chicory from seed?

Sow chicory approximately 5–10 mm deep into prepared soil or seedling mix. Maintain even moisture, thin or transplant seedlings and grow them through cool to mild conditions.

How do you grow endive from seed?

Sow endive seed shallowly in trays or prepared soil. Keep the seedbed moist, provide strong light after emergence and space mature plants approximately 25–35 cm apart.

When should chicory be planted in Australia?

Chicory is generally planted from late summer through autumn in warm and temperate regions. Cool-climate growers can also sow through spring and suitable summer periods.

How deep should chicory seeds be planted?

Plant chicory seeds approximately 5–10 mm deep and cover them lightly with fine soil.

How deep should endive seeds be planted?

Plant endive seeds approximately 5–10 mm deep. Avoid burying the fine seed deeply.

How long does chicory take to germinate?

Chicory commonly germinates within approximately 5–14 days when moisture and temperature conditions are suitable.

How long does endive take to germinate?

Endive commonly germinates in approximately 5–14 days. Cold, dry or saturated growing media may delay emergence.

How long does chicory take to grow?

Baby leaves may be ready within approximately 25–40 days, while mature leaf chicory generally requires around 60–90 days.

How long does endive take to grow?

Endive may be harvested young within approximately 30–45 days. Mature rosettes commonly require around 60–90 days.

Can chicory be grown in pots?

Yes. Use a container with approximately 20–30 cm of soil depth, good drainage and sufficient room for the mature leaves.

Can endive be grown in pots?

Yes. Curled endive grows well in sufficiently large containers with fertile potting mix, full sun and consistent moisture.

Can chicory grow in shade?

Chicory tolerates light partial shade but generally produces the strongest growth in full sun during cool weather.

How do you harvest chicory?

Harvest young leaves, pick mature outer foliage progressively or cut the complete rosette near soil level.

How do you harvest endive?

Remove individual outer leaves or cut the entire mature rosette near the base with clean equipment.

Can chicory be harvested more than once?

Yes. Leaf chicory can often regrow after moderate harvesting when the central crown and sufficient healthy foliage remain intact.

Why is my chicory very bitter?

Bitterness increases with maturity, heat, drought stress and variety. Grow plants in cool conditions, water consistently and harvest leaves young for a milder flavour.

Can chicory be eaten raw?

Yes. Young leaves may be used raw in salads and mixed greens. Stronger mature leaves are often cooked.

Can endive be eaten raw?

Yes. Curled endive is commonly used raw in salads, although mature leaves can also be cooked.

Is leaf chicory the same as chicory root?

No. Leaf chicory is selected primarily for edible foliage, while root chicory varieties are grown for enlarged roots.

Can chicory be grown for coffee?

Coffee-style chicory is made from roasted roots of suitable root chicory varieties. Leaf chicory products are not necessarily selected for producing large processing roots.

Can chicory and endive seed be saved?

Seed may be saved from suitable open-pollinated varieties. Plants must be allowed to flower and mature, and compatible varieties should be isolated to reduce unwanted cross-pollination.

Are all chicory and endive seeds untreated?

Product specifications can vary between varieties and seed lots. Review the individual product page for information about seed treatment, variety type and germination before ordering.

Chicory and endive seeds for Australian growers

Grow Chicory and Endive in Packet or Larger Quantities

Seedmart supplies chicory and endive seed for household gardens, raised beds, containers, market gardens and commercial leafy vegetable production. Choose finely curled green endive or Italian leaf chicory for salads, cooking, baby leaf and specialty fresh-market use.

Review the individual product pages for available pack sizes, leaf characteristics, planting information and variety-specific growing guidance before ordering.