Totem – Organic (F1) Endive Seed

Traditional Belgian endive; white (pale yellow) chicons.
The roots of this Dutch variety, also known as "witloof," can be taken from the refrigerator or root cellar and forced successfully from September to January. The resulting "chicon" is a venerated European delicacy and welcome off-season leafy vegetable for salads and cooking. Organically grown. Avg. 14,200 seeds/oz. Packet: 200 seeds.

CULTURE:Belgian endive may be grown for harvest of fresh greens throughout the winter. Complete cultural and forcing instructions are included with the seeds, and are linked to above.
PLANTING:Sow from early mid- to late spring, ¾–1" apart (about 30 seeds/ft.), ¼–½" deep, in 2" wide band, or single rows 16–24" apart. For minimum soil compaction, use raised beds with 2 or 3 rows 16–24" apart, beds 5–6′ on center. Sprinkle the soil surface to keep moist. Don’t allow soil to crust before the emergence of seedlings which takes 1–3 weeks, depending on temperature and moisture. Thin to 2" apart. Keep weed-free by tine weeding and shallow hoeing.
HARVEST:Dig roots in mid- to late fall or after a few light frosts and store like carrots at 32°F (0°C). To force, remove from cold storage after 6–10 weeks to a cool, 55–70°F (13–21°C) room. Keep in complete darkness. Harvest chicons when they become dense, in about 21–29 days.
AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE:1M/66′; 5M/330′; 25M/1,650′; 435M/acre at 15 seeds/ft. in rows 18" apart.
SEED SPECS:SEEDS/OZ.: 12,000–14,000 (Avg. 13,000)
PACKET:200 seeds sows 13′.