The Smooth Endive (Cichorium endivia var. latifolium), also known as Broadleaf Endive, is a leafy vegetable from the Asteraceae family, appreciated for its mild bitterness and nutritional value. Smooth Endive seeds produce plants with broad, tender green leaves forming open rosettes. The inner leaves are lighter in color and particularly suitable for fresh salads.
This crop thrives in cool to mild climates and prefers fertile, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Sowing is carried out from August to October for autumn and winter harvests, and in spring in areas with mild temperatures. Recommended spacing is 30–40 cm between plants and 40–50 cm between rows. Harvest occurs 60–90 days after sowing, when the foliage reaches full size and texture.
Smooth Endive is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. It is ideal for salads, side dishes, and cooked recipes, offering a delicate flavor and crisp texture. The variety is known for its cold tolerance and excellent regrowth after cutting.
