Bianca Riccia – Endive Seed

Description

The Bianca Riccia – Endive Seed is a premium variety of curly endive, known for its vibrant green, frilly leaves and slightly bitter, refreshing flavor. This Italian heirloom variety is a perfect addition to your garden for those who enjoy fresh, crisp greens in their salads or as a garnish. Bianca Riccia endive is prized for its attractive appearance and distinctive taste, offering a unique twist to Mediterranean dishes. Easy to grow and harvest, this variety provides high yields of nutritious, flavorful leaves.

Product Features

1. Vibrant Green Leaves: Bianca Riccia produces curly, frilled green leaves that are both visually appealing and packed with flavor.
2. Distinctive Flavor: With a slightly bitter, tangy taste, this endive adds depth and complexity to salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish for a variety of dishes.
3. High Yield: Bianca Riccia is a high-yielding variety, producing a generous harvest of leaves that can be picked throughout the growing season.
4. Cold Tolerant: Known for its cold tolerance, this variety thrives in cooler climates, making it a great choice for early spring or fall harvests.
5. Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, this endive is a healthy and nutritious addition to your diet.
6. Easy to Grow: This variety is straightforward to grow, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Specifications

• Plant Type: Annual, leafy green
• Leaf Color: Bright green, frilly, curly edges
• Maturity Period: 60–75 days from sowing
• Plant Height: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
• Sunlight Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0
• Watering Needs: Regular watering to maintain consistent moisture levels, avoiding waterlogged conditions

Growing Tips

1. Planting: Sow seeds directly in the soil after the last frost or start indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting. Space seeds about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart in rows, with 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) between rows for optimal growth.
2. Watering: Keep the soil moist, particularly during the germination phase and while the plants are establishing. Endives prefer consistent moisture but are sensitive to overwatering.
3. Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and once again during the growing season to encourage vigorous leaf growth and a rich color.
4. Thinning: Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart to allow for proper growth and to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to smaller, less flavorful leaves.
5. Harvesting: Harvest the leaves once they have reached a sufficient size. For the best flavor, harvest leaves before they mature fully and become too bitter. The outer leaves can be picked as needed, or the entire plant can be harvested at once.

Bianca Riccia – Endive Seeds are a fantastic choice for gardeners who want to grow a distinctive, flavorful green with a beautiful appearance. With its crisp texture, slightly bitter flavor, and high nutritional value, Bianca Riccia endive is a great addition to salads, side dishes, and garnishes. Its cold tolerance and ease of cultivation make it suitable for a variety of growing conditions, ensuring a bountiful harvest for both home gardeners and market growers.