Description: 500BROAD LEAFENDIVE SEEDS Guide to Cultivating Broad Leaf Endive Broad leaf endive, also known as Escarole, is a delicious leafy green that belongs to the chicory family. It has a slightly bitter taste with tender and crisp leaves. This nutritious green is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to any diet. Cultivating broad leaf endive is a rewarding process that can be easily done at home. In this guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of growing broad leaf endive, along with a popular recipe and its health benefits. Step 1: Selecting and Preparing the Soil Broad leaf endive thrives in well-draining and fertile soil. Start by selecting a sunny location in your garden. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 8-10 inches and remove any weeds or debris. Broad leaf endive prefers a soil pH of 6.0-7.5. Therefore, you can test the soil pH using a kit and make necessary adjustments to ensure the ideal pH level. Step 2: Planting the Seeds Broad leaf endive seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors and transplanted later. If starting indoors, sow the seeds in pots or trays filled with seed-starting mix about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Ensure the temperature is around 60-65°F (15-18°C) for proper germination. If sowing directly into the garden, sow the seeds thinly and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Space the rows about 12-18 inches apart to allow sufficient air circulation. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, typically within 7-10 days. Step 3: Watering and Care Broad leaf endive requires consistent moisture to grow well. Keep the soil slightly moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the growing season. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells or hot summer months. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases that can affect the leaves. Additionally, it is recommended to apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and maintain an even temperature. Step 4: Harvesting Broad leaf endive can be harvested when the leaves are young and tender, or you can wait until they reach full size for a slightly stronger flavor. To harvest, cut the outer leaves with a sharp knife, leaving the center intact for continuous growth. Harvesting in the morning, when the leaves are crisp with dew, enhances the flavor and texture. Popular Recipe: Broad Leaf Endive Salad Ingredients: - 1 head of broad leaf endive - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cup sliced cucumber - ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion - ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese - ¼ cup toasted walnuts - Salt and pepper to taste - For the dressing: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 garlic clove, minced - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Wash the broad leaf endive thoroughly and pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. 2. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted walnuts to the bowl. 3. In a small jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake well to combine and emulsify. 4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even distribution. 5. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. 6. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and nutritious broad leaf endive salad. Health Benefits of Broad Leaf Endive: - Rich in fiber: Broad leaf endive is an excellent source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut. - Packed with vitamins and minerals: It is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and iron. These vitamins and minerals contribute to overall health, including strong bones, a robust immune system, and healthy skin. - Low in calories: Broad leaf endive is a low-calorie food, making it a great addition to weight management diets. - Antioxidant properties: The presence of antioxidants in broad leaf endive helps protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. In conclusion, cultivating broad leaf endive is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy its nutritional benefits and use it in various recipes. With proper care and attention, you can easily grow this nutritious leafy green at home and savor its delicious taste. As a seller, I understand that there may be some confusion when it comes to the terms and conditions of shipping and delivery. In order to provide clarity, I would like to address a few important points: 1. 3 business day shipping: We strive to ship out your order within three business days from the date of purchase. This means that weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are not considered business days, so please keep this in mind when estimating your delivery time. 2. No tracking on orders under $16: Due to the rising costs of delivery, we regretfully cannot provide tracking information for orders under $16. This allows us to keep our prices competitive while still offering reliable shipping services. 3. Estimated delivery dates: While we make every effort to provide accurate estimated delivery dates, they should be viewed as approximations. Various factors, such as unforeseen delays in transit, may impact the actual delivery date. We kindly ask for your understanding should any discrepancies arise. 4. Seller's lack of control over third-party delivery: Once the order is placed with USPS or any third-party delivery service, we, as the seller, have no control over the speed of delivery. We rely on their efficiency and processes to ensure your package arrives in a timely manner. 5. Longer delivery times: In some cases, orders may take up to 15 business days to be delivered. While this is not typical, it is important to note that different factors, such as customs processes, distance, or volume of orders, can contribute to longer delivery times. 6. Contact seller before opening a case or leaving negative feedback: We kindly request that if you encounter any issues with your order, please reach out to us directly before opening a case or leaving negative feedback. We are here to help and will do everything we can to resolve any problems you may have. 7. Give seller a chance to resolve problems: It is our sincere desire to ensure your satisfaction with every purchase. By giving us a chance to address any issues, we are confident that we can find a positive resolution that meets your needs. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these matters. Our primary goal is to provide you with excellent customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience. 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Price: 1.64 USD
Location: Berwyn, Illinois
End Time: 2023-12-18T05:53:06.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
Features: Edible
MPN: n/a
Cultivating Difficulty: Easy
Season of Interest: Spring
Genus: Brassica
Climate: temperate
Common Name: endive
Brand: Fresh
Life Cycle: Annual
Sunlight: Full Sun
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type: Vegetable Seeds
Watering: Medium