Botanical Interests
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Product Details
Product Details
Also called frisée, endive's beautiful lacy leaves will turn ordinary lettuce salad into an upscale, bistro mesclun. The mild flavor blends well with other greens and the crisp, finely cut leaves add interesting texture. Use in the flower garden for an exquisite ornamental.
Your hardiness zone is
- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 42–70 days
Family: Asteraceae
Native: Cultivated; origin unknown
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant biennial grown as an annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: 6" tall and wide
Variety Info: Rosette with broad, slightly crinkled green leaves with a flavor similar to slightly bitter lettuce.
Attributes: Frost Tolerant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, as soon as soil can be worked, or 8 to 10 weeks before your average first frost date. Mild Climates: Sow in fall and winter for cool–season harvest. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 60°–70°F; soil temperature over 78°F halts germination.
When to Start Inside: 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date; transplant outside 4 to 6 weeks after starting inside.
Sprouts in: 10–14 days
Plant Seeds (Depth): ⅛"
Space Seeds: A group of 3 seeds every 6"
Row Spacing: 18"
Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 6"
Growing Info
Harvesting: Harvest in the morning and before temperatures get above 90°F. You might want to discard the outer leaves, as they tend to be more bitter than inner leaves. Dunk plants in cold or ice water to cool, then drain before storing. The leaves can actually be harvested any time in a ôcut-and-come-againö fashion; this is particularly good when seeds are sown too late in the spring, and warm weather is approaching quickly, threatening to cause plants to bolt. In fall, harvest after first couple of light frosts; flavor is actually improved with light frost. When plants are 6" across, entire head can be cut at the base.
- SaraVerified ReviewerRated 3 out of 5 starsApr 27, 2026Delicious, but pretty sure I got lettuce seeds
I sowed these seeds into a 6-cell and planted them out in early March (zone 8b). It is late April now and they are going into maturity -- while beautiful and healthy, they look and taste just like butterhead lettuce. I'm not entirely disappointed because they taste so good, but I was really looking forward to getting those frilly chicory leaves. I'm very confident that I didn't mix up the seeds on my end, because I don't even have lettuce seed packets. I'm wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same thing? I purchased the seeds at the end of 2025 (the packet says packaged for 2026).
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningMay 8, 2026Hey Sara,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- MoniqueRated 5 out of 5 starsJul 28, 2025Fantastic growth.
Beautiful, tasty, and didn't flower until late July, so pretty heat tolerant in Zone 5a/6B
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningJul 30, 2025Hey Monique,
Thank you so much for sharing your photos! We're thrilled that the Olesh Tres Fine Endive performed so beautifully for you - fantastic growth indeed! It's wonderful to hear that it was both beautiful and tasty, and we love that you noticed its impressive heat tolerance. Your success story will definitely help other gardeners know what to expect! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Sandie M.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsJun 28, 20245 Stars
Besides just making a beautiful presentation, it was never bitter early season, mid season, or late in the season. My husband had never had Endive before and I was afraid he would turn his nose up at it. But he did not, it turned out he really enjoyed it so that's the best testimonial I can give to you.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Ivette V.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsNov 16, 2025Great seeds
Super germination and pest resistance
Which best describes you as a gardener? ExpertEGEpic GardeningNov 24, 2025Hey Ivette,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with our Olesh Tres Fine Endive Seeds! We love hearing about that super germination rate! and its resistance to pests. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Susan C.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsNov 17, 20245 Stars
Great!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Expert
