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Growing Red Stem Italian Dandelion Endive in the Vegetable Garden

Italian Red Stem Dandelion performs best as a cool-season crop. For spring harvests, sow indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost, or direct-sow as soon as the soil can be worked. Plant seeds 0.25 inch deep in rows 12-18 inches apart, then thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they have several true leaves. Target a soil temperature of 60-70 F for quick, even germination and keep the seedbed evenly moist.

For fall crops, direct sow in mid to late summer, so plants size up as days cool. A layer of organic mulch helps maintain consistent moisture and keeps leaves tender. Avoid high heat and drought stress, which can intensify bitterness and encourage premature bolting. Italian Red Stem Dandelion tolerates light frost and often sweetens slightly in cool weather, improving flavor for late-season salads and braising.

Harvesting of Red Stem Italian Dandelion Endive

You can begin harvesting baby leaves when plants are 3-4 inches tall by snipping individual leaves or cutting a few outer leaves from each plant. For full-size bunches, allow rosettes to reach 6-10 inches tall with well-colored red ribs, then cut the entire plant at the crown. Leaving a bit of stem and root can encourage limited regrowth for a second, lighter harvest.

Harvest in the cool of the morning for crisp, flavorful greens. Rinse gently and chill promptly to preserve texture. If you prefer a milder taste, mix Italian Red Stem Dandelion with sweeter lettuces in salad blends, or cook it briefly to mellow the bitterness and highlight its peppery notes.

About Red Stem Italian Dandelion Endive Garden Seeds

Italian Red Stem Dandelion is an heirloom chicory, often grouped with endives and Italian dandelions rather than true dandelions. Plants form narrow, jagged leaves with vivid red stems and midribs that add striking color to salad mixes and braising greens.

Traditionally used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking, this chicory is valued for its robust, slightly bitter flavor with hints of pepper. It is excellent in mixed salads, wilted with garlic and olive oil, or added to soups and sautéed dishes for depth and nutrition. The strong, cool-tolerant plants fit well into succession plantings for extended harvests in spring and fall.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Sow lightly and thin early so each plant has space to form a full rosette. Grow into cool weather for the best balance of color and flavor, and pair these assertive greens with citrus or rich dressings to complement their pleasant bite."

- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer

Red Stem Italian Dandelion Endive Seeds Per Package:

• 2 g Packet - Approximately 1,200 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Bulk - Approximately 6,375 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 25,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 102,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 408,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Red Stem Italian Dandelion Endive seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.

Italian Red Stem Dandelion Endive (Chicory). 50 Days. Non-GMO, Heirloom. Dandelion Italian Red Stem Chicory is a strong plant that can handle cool temperatures. Leaves are deeply lobed, green and thin with dark red ribs.

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