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Knowledge/Crops/Endive
Vegetables

Endive

Cichorium endivia

Endive is a leafy green vegetable belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is characterized by its curly or frilled leaves and is commonly used in salads and as a garnish. Endive is valued for its slightly bitter flavor and high nutritional content, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber. It is an important crop in Mediterranean and temperate regions.

Calculate System for Endive
450.00–700.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
25.00–50.00cm
Root Depth
20,000 kg/ha
Yield
66,666
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Endive can be grown in various climates but prefers cooler temperatures. Varieties include curly endive and escarole, each with distinct leaf shapes and flavors. Special care should be taken to prevent bolting in warm weather.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 450.00–700.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Low
Water Productivity: 12.000 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Furrow Irrigation50.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.0

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 3.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve soil structure.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 10.0°C – 25.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.00–6.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.00–7.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: moderate
Heat Tolerance: low
Endive thrives in cooler temperatures and can suffer from heat stress. Use shade cloth in hotter climates to protect plants from excessive heat.

Planting Layout

50.00cm
Row Spacing
30.00cm
Plant Spacing
66,666
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)120 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)50 kg/ha
Potassium (K)150 kg/ha
30
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
20
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
15
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen at planting and again at mid-season. Use balanced fertilizers to ensure all nutrient needs are met.
Organic Matter: 3-5% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

20,000
kg/ha
1.500
kg/plant
0.400
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Leaf tenderness, color, and absence of bitterness

Design Your Endive Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Endive field.

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Related Guides

Introduction: Growing and Irrigating Endive

Endive is a versatile and nutritious leafy green vegetable that belongs to the chicory family. It is known for its slightly bitter taste and crunchy texture, making it a popular choice for salads, sandwiches and cooked dishes. In this article, we will explore the process of growing and irrigating endive, focusing on…

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