I started growing radicchio and endive indoors with the help of my new T5 lights. I started this batch right after New Years. I started these plants along with my kale, bok choy and some other greens. While these plants will germinate out in the garden under cover when the temperature is above 40ºF, I started them indoors so I could enjoy some greens before I transplanted them in the spring.
I am growing Palla Rossa Radicchio and Olesh Tres Fine Endive from Botanical Interests. If you want some other seed ideas for radicchio and endive, then click on the links.
Since I had some endive starting to grow again outside in early March that has been under cover since last fall, I decided to transplant my endive and radicchio in March under cover after I hardened it off for about a week.
Here are some options to try: Direct sow under double cover about 2 ½ months before, under single cover about 2 months before and without any cover about 1 month before the last spring frost date. You may have to play around with the dates a bit depending on your area. I grow my kale the same way!
If you don’t like the taste of radicchio or endive or you don’t want to purchase or harvest an entire head, you can plant the seeds close together and harvest small, tender leaves as you need them. For tender leaves, try planting 4 to 6 inches apart. For mature plants, space them about 10 inches apart.
