1000 Broadleaf Batavian Endive Seeds – Heirloom Lettuce

Broadleaf Batavian Endive is a hardy heirloom leafy green prized for its broad, crisp leaves and mild, slightly nutty flavor. Often grouped with lettuce-type greens, it forms a full, open head that adds texture and substance to salads, sandwiches, and cooked dishes. Its robust nature makes it a dependable choice for gardeners who want a long harvest of fresh greens across cool seasons.

This old-fashioned variety is valued for its ability to stand in the garden without bolting quickly, providing a steady supply of tender leaves. Whether grown as a cut-and-come-again crop or allowed to mature into full heads, Broadleaf Batavian Endive brings reliable productivity to kitchen gardens, raised beds, and market plots.

Plant Features

• Heirloom variety with broad, slightly ruffled leaves
• Forms open, Batavian-type heads with crisp texture
• Mild, nutty flavor that is less bitter than some endives
• Good tolerance for cool weather and light frost
• Versatile for fresh salads and cooked preparations

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Cichorium endivia
• Plant Type: Biennial grown as annual
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Upright, open-heading rosette
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Bloom Season: Not grown for bloom; harvest leaves in cool seasons
• Mature Height: 8-12 inches
• Spacing: 8-12 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow Broadleaf Batavian Endive seeds directly in the garden or start indoors for transplanting. For direct sowing, plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in prepared soil, spacing them thinly and covering lightly. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to stand 8-12 inches apart to allow full head development.

Endive thrives in cool weather and can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, and mulch to keep roots cool. Harvest outer leaves as needed or cut entire heads at the base. A light frost can improve flavor by reducing bitterness.

What's Included

1000 Broadleaf Batavian Endive seeds.