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Growing Sugar Loaf Endive in the Vegetable Garden

Sugar Loaf endive thrives in cool conditions and is often grown for fall harvest. For spring or early summer crops, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Sow 0.25 inch deep in a quality seed-starting mix kept at 60-70 F. Transplant after about 4 weeks when seedlings are sturdy, spacing plants 12 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart.

For fall crops, you can also direct sow outdoors in mid to late summer. Prepare a fertile, well-drained bed, water the soil, then sow seeds 0.25 inch deep. Thin seedlings to 12 inches in all directions once they have several true leaves. Consistent moisture and an organic mulch help prevent bitterness, keep leaves tender, and reduce weed pressure.

Harvesting of Sugar Loaf Endive

Begin harvesting baby greens by cutting individual leaves once they reach usable size. For full heads, allow plants to form dense, sugarloaf-shaped heads and cut the entire head at the base. Leaving about 1 inch of stem can encourage limited regrowth for additional harvests.

Light frosts often improve flavor, making leaves sweeter and less sharply bitter. If desired, blanch heads 2-3 weeks before harvest by loosely tying the outer leaves together to shade the inner heart, ensuring the foliage is dry first to prevent rot.

About Sugar Loaf Endive Garden Seeds

Sugar Loaf, also known as Pain de Sucre, is a classic European endive valued for its elongated, Romaine-like heads and crisp texture. Medium green leaves wrap around a pale inner heart that shines in salads, braises, and grilled dishes. Its cool-season habit and strong structure make it a reliable performer for fall and early winter use in suitable climates.

This heirloom, open-pollinated strain is well suited to home gardens, small farms, and market growers who want a distinctive leafy green with excellent storage and holding ability. Heads can be harvested as needed over a window of time, then kept cool and dry for extended use in the kitchen.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Aim for steady growth in cool weather. Sow or transplant so heads size up into fall, keep soil moist but not soggy, and use mulch plus row cover to manage both heat stress and hungry pests."

- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer

Sugar Loaf Endive Seeds Per Package:

• 2 g Packet - Approximately 800 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Bulk - Approximately 2,800 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 11,200 Seeds
• 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 44,800 Seeds
• 1 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 179,200 Seeds

Non-GMO Sugar Loaf Endive seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.