Plant Profile
Cichorium endiviaCichorium endivia
A late leafy vegetable with a healthy, tart aroma.
Quick profile
Key data
Suitable growing locations:
Indoor & direct sowing
Cichorium endivia: Sowing and germination
Sow outdoors from April to July, depending on variety and desired harvest time.
Planting & site
Cichorium endivia: Planting and spacing
Plant pre-grown seedlings outdoors from mid-May, once the risk of frost has passed.
Site & practical notes
Topic: bitterness_reduction, Title: Reducing Bitterness, Content: A 15-minute soak in lukewarm water removes excess bitter substances from the leaves.
Temperature & frost
Cichorium endivia: Temperature and site
Water & nutrients
Cichorium endivia: Water, nutrients and care
Container & growth
Cichorium endivia: Container, support and growth
Year plan
Cichorium endivia Calendar
Recurring tasks
Relevant now
June
- No additional single task
Next up
July
- No additional single task
Monthly tasks
Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.
January
Quiet month
February
Quiet month
March
Quiet month
April
Direct sowing
- SowingOutdoor sowing or starting indoors.: Direct sowing outdoors or starting indoors.
Growing
- Prepare soilBefore sowing or planting.: Loosen soil and enrich with compost.
May
Direct sowing
- SowingOutdoor sowing or starting indoors.: Direct sowing outdoors or starting indoors for later harvest.
June
No additional single task
August
Quiet month
September
Direct sowing
- ResowingFor late harvest.: A late sowing can extend the harvest period if conditions are favorable.
October
Harvest
- HarvestPlants are mature.: Harvest before the first hard frost.
November
Harvest
- HarvestPlants are mature.: The final harvest before winter.
Growing
- Prepare soilAfter harvest.: Loosen soil and improve with organic matter if needed for the next year.
December
Quiet month
Flowering & pollination
Cichorium endivia Flowering & pollination
Flowering period
June to August (in the second year)
Flower color
Light blue to violet
Self-fertility
high
Pollinator needed
no
Overview
Self-fertile, but frequently visited by bees and hoverflies.
Notes
Insect visits significantly increase seed set.
Pruning & care
Cichorium endivia Pruning & care
Pruning timing
Crop maintenance and cleaning Regular removal of dead material prevents rot.
Remove
Preserve
Avoid
Tools and hygiene
Use clean, sharp knives to avoid bruising and rot at the stalk.
Companion guide
Cichorium endivia Companion guide
Use & storage
Cichorium endivia Use & storage
Harvest from July until the first frost. Harvest can be extended into late autumn by covering with fleece or foil.
Storage
Short-term refrigerator storage
Storage life
In the vegetable crisper for approx. 1 to 2 weeks.
Flavor
Spicy, tart, distinctly bitter
Harvest
Harvest from July until the first frost. Harvest can be extended into late autumn by covering with fleece or foil.
Processing
After harvest
Remove wilted outer leaves; wash briefly in cold water.
Edibility & safety
Cichorium endivia Edibility & safety
For people
In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.
Safety notes
Non-toxic. The bitter substances (intybin) are health-promoting and aid digestion.
Animal safety
For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 14 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.
Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.
Companion animals
DogLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset due to high fiber and bitter compound content.
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Endive is considered non-toxic for dogs. The leaves and heart are edible and commonly used as a salad. In normal quantities, it is safe and can even aid digestion due to the bitter substances like intybin. However, excessive amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Open animal page
CatLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset due to high fiber and bitter compound content.
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Endive is non-toxic for cats. The leaves and heart can be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat. The high fiber and bitter compound content (intybin) may cause gastrointestinal upset with overconsumption. No known severe toxicity risks for cats.
Open animal page
RabbitLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Endive is safe for rabbits and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves and heart are edible and are well tolerated due to their mild taste and fiber content. The bitter substances (intybin) support digestion. A gradual introduction is recommended to avoid digestive upset.
Open animal page
Guinea pigLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Endive is safe for guinea pigs and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves and heart are edible and well tolerated. The bitter substances (intybin) support digestion. A gradual introduction is recommended to avoid digestive upset.
Open animal page
HamsterLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause bloating.
Bloating (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Endive is suitable for hamsters in small amounts as a treat. The leaves and heart are edible and contain health-promoting bitter substances. Roots and flowering stems should be avoided due to their woody texture and potential digestive discomfort. No known toxic effects with normal feeding. Overconsumption may cause bloating. Offer fresh, washed leafy greens. Not suitable as a main feed.
Open animal page
BudgieLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Endive is safe for budgies and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves and heart are edible and are well accepted due to their mild taste and nutritional content. No known toxic compounds or parts.
Open animal pageFarm animals
HorseLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Endive is non-toxic to horses and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The bitter compounds promote digestion. Roots and flowering stems should be avoided due to their woody texture.
Open animal page
ChickenLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Endive is safe for chickens and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves and heart are edible and are well accepted due to their mild taste and nutritional content. No known toxic compounds or harmful effects under normal feeding.
Open animal page
DuckLeaves, Heart
Roots (very woody), Stems during flowering stage
Leaves, Heart
Roots (very woody), Stems during flowering stage
Overconsumption may cause digestive upset due to high fiber and bitter compound content., Young ducks should only receive small amounts., Avoid flowering-stage stems and root-near parts due to increased woodiness and potential irritant compounds.
Digestive upset (with overconsumption or woody parts)
usually no action needed
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
GooseLeaves, Heart
Roots (very woody), Stems during flowering stage
Leaves, Heart
Roots (very woody), Stems during flowering stage
Overconsumption may cause digestive upset due to high fiber and bitter compound content., Young geese should only receive small amounts., Avoid flowering-stage stems and root-near parts due to increased woodiness and potential irritant compounds.
Digestive upset (with overconsumption or woody parts)
usually no action needed
Endive is safe for geese in moderation, particularly the leaves and inner heart. The bitter intybin compounds may aid digestion, but woody stems and roots should be avoided. No known toxic compounds documented for birds.
Open animal page
SheepLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Endive is non-toxic to sheep and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves and heart are edible and well tolerated. Roots and flowering stems should be avoided due to woodiness, but are not toxic.
Open animal page
GoatLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Endive is suitable for goats as a forage plant. The leaves and heart are edible and are well accepted due to their bitter taste. No known toxic compounds or harmful effects in goats documented. Overconsumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but the risk is low.
Open animal page
CattleLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Endive (Cichorium endivia) is considered non-toxic and is occasionally used as a feed supplement for cattle. The bitter compounds may support digestion. No known toxic effects under normal feeding.
Open animal page
PigLeaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Heart
No risk parts listed
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Endive is suitable for pigs as a forage plant. The leaves and heart are edible and are well accepted. No known toxic compounds or harmful effects in pigs documented. Overconsumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but the risk is low.
Open animal pageThese guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.
Max risk
unknown
Highest status
moderation only
Urgency
usually no action needed
Saving seed
Cichorium endivia Saving seed
Seed type
Achene
Seed viability
2 - 3 years
Practical tips
Cichorium endivia Practical tips
Common beginner mistakes
Planting too deep often leads to heart rot.
Success pattern
Regular watering starting in August guarantees tender heads.
Grower observations
Escarole types often withstand light frosts better than the curly varieties.
Plant Profile
Additional plant images
Health
Pests, Diseases
Plant health
Diagnosis help
Cichorium endivia Diagnosis help
Pest groups
Disease groups
Prevention
Diagnosis
Pay close attention to the leaf undersides and the root collar for signs of rot or pests.
Cultural prevention
Monitoring
Weekly check for slug damage
First response
Diagnostic rules
Plant collapses and rots at the base
Possible causes: Sclerotinia rot, Waterlogging
- Check soil moisture
- Inspect for white mycelium
FAQ
Why is my endive extremely bitter?
This is usually due to drought stress or high temperatures during heading. Late harvesting also intensifies the tart flavor.
Is Cichorium endivia safe for Dog?
Cichorium endivia is classified as suitable for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Endive is considered non-toxic for dogs. The leaves and heart are edible and commonly used as a salad. In normal quantities, it is safe and can even aid digestion due to the bitter substances like intybin. However, excessive amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Is Cichorium endivia safe for Cat?
Cichorium endivia is classified as suitable for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Endive is non-toxic for cats. The leaves and heart can be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat. The high fiber and bitter compound content (intybin) may cause gastrointestinal upset with overconsumption. No known severe toxicity risks for cats.
Is Cichorium endivia safe for Rabbit?
Cichorium endivia is classified as suitable for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Endive is safe for rabbits and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves and heart are edible and are well tolerated due to their mild taste and fiber content. The bitter substances (intybin) support digestion. A gradual introduction is recommended to avoid digestive upset.
Is Cichorium endivia safe for Guinea pig?
Cichorium endivia is classified as suitable for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Endive is safe for guinea pigs and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves and heart are edible and well tolerated. The bitter substances (intybin) support digestion. A gradual introduction is recommended to avoid digestive upset.
Guides
Related guides
Guide
Rabbits in the Garden: Herbs and Vegetables
Learn how to choose suitable herbs and vegetables for rabbits, grow feeding plants, and plan a rabbit-friendly garden.
Guide
Dogs in the Garden: Windfall Fruit and Risks
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Horse Pastures and Garden Plants: Safety Checks
Learn how to identify risks near horse pastures, fences, turnout areas, fruit trees, and garden planting zones.
Guide
Toxic Garden Plants for Cats: Safer Planning
Learn which garden plants can be risky for cats, how to plan safer beds, and what to do if a cat eats a toxic plant.
Internal links
Related plants
Chicory
Radicchio
Also belongs to the genus Cichorium and shares similar growing conditions.
Lettuce
Both susceptible to Sclerotinia rot.
Butterhead lettuce
Both belong to the Asteraceae family.
Spinach
Can be steamed and served as a warm vegetable, similar to endive.
Common chicory
Closely related, but chicory is usually forced in the dark for its chicons.
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-13
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-13
- English Wikipedia: Cichorium endivia
Wikipedia · 2026-05-13
- PlantNet species data
PlantNet · 2026-05-13