The outside leaves of an endive head are green and bitter. Inner leaves are light green to creamy white and are milder flavored. It is most popular in France, Belgium and Holland. Its thick roots are used in the southern U.S. as an additive flavor to coffee and sometimes as a coffee substitute. Endive is grown like lettuce.
Seed is sown in early spring in the garden.
Start plants in the greenhouse and transplant to the garden for an extra early crop. Chicory for greens is grown much the same way. For chicory greens, plant seed in early spring and the leaves are ready for harvesting in about 60 days. The greens are often blanched by tying the leaves together when they are about 10 inches long. Roots for producing Witloof chicory are grown this way.