Endive (Microgreens)

Facts - Endive

The taste:

Bitter, like full-grown endives

Germination:

2 - 3 days

Growth until harvest:

8 - 15 days

Nitrogen requirements:

moderate - moderate eater

pH range:

5.5 matching plants

Ec - area:

2.0 - 2.4 suitable fish

Size:

7cm

Cultivation

Soaking the seeds:

not necessary

Soak the medium:

not necessary

Growth medium:

- Mixed potting soil (organic preferred)
- Coconut soil
- Peat-free potting soil
- Hemp mats

Light:

at least 12 hours of exposure per day, light 45 - 60 cm away from plants

Germination temperature:

21°C

Irrigation:

- Flood and drain twice a day
- spray surface with water sprayer in the morning and evening if dry

Preferred system:

Ebb - flood systems

Nutritional values ​​per 100g

Calories

17 kcal

Carbohydrates

3.4g

Proteins

1.3g

Sodium

22 mg

Vitamin C

5.5 mg

Vitamin B

0.08 mg

Potassium

314 mg

Calcium

52 mg

Iron

0.8 mg

Magenesium

15 mg

Steps of cultivation

1. Prepare growth medium and generously moisten the surface
2. Distribute seeds evenly and avoid partial accumulations, moisten
3. Cover and weigh down with any cover (e.g. a paving stone)
4. Germination occurs in 2 - 3 days
5. Remove cover and transfer to aquaponics system
6. The ripe microgreens can be harvested after 8 to 15 days

Endive microgreens require specific light management during cultivation to control their characteristic bitter flavor profile. Unlike many other microgreens, endive benefits from an extended blackout period of 3-4 days after germination, during which the seedlings are kept under a weighted cover tray. This forces the stems to grow stronger while searching for light, resulting in more robust plants. After removing the cover, position grow lights 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) above the trays for at least 12 hours daily. The bitterness intensity is directly correlated with light exposure: longer light periods produce more pronounced bitterness, while shorter exposure yields milder flavor. Endive seeds do not require pre-soaking and germinate within 2-3 days at 21°C . For optimal results, use bottom watering exclusively after the blackout period to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal issues. Harvest occurs when cotyledons are fully expanded, typically 8-15 days after sowing, when plants reach approximately 7 cm in height.

Image: https://www.pexels.com/de-de/foto/grunblattrige-pflanzen-bokeh-fotografie-767240/

Context: 

• Dill (Microgreens)
• Chinese Surah Tree (Microgreens)
• Coriander (Microgreens)
• Lovage (Microgreens)
• Leek (Microgreens)
• Cress (Microgreens)
• Chervil (Microgreens)
• Komatsuna (Microgreens)
• Garden Melilot / Orach (Microgreens)
• Fennel (microgreens)
• Lamb's lettuce (Microgreens)
• Tarragon (Microgreens)
• Clover (Microgreens)
• Pea (Microgreens)
• Marjoram (Microgreens)
• Carrot (Microgreens)
• Corn (Microgreens)
• Nasturtium (Microgreens)
• Dandelion (Microgreens)
• Millet (Microgreens)