To ensure proper development of the crop in the field, and to improve storage of the roots and their forcing quality, a foliar top-dressing programme will have to be implemented. In view of the smallness of the seed, and above all to ensure regular calibration of the roots at harvest, accurate sowing is very important. The distance between rows is about 35 cm, which gives a seed population of approx. The most suitable varieties of endives can be divided into 3 groups, depending on the forcing season. Early varieties have a shorter growing cycle and are suitable for the first months of endive production, at the start of the chicory season.
Ordinary varieties have a better yield.
They retain optimum yields until forcing in May-June. Late varieties withstand cold-storage better. The endive grows slowly during the first months of cultivation. This will help to prevent stress in the young plants. After 6 weeks of crop growth, foliar spraying with foli-chic can begin.