Endive Seeds - Castelfranco

Name: Endive Seeds - Castelfranco
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: EE6
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Stunning Italian heirloom chicory with speckled red-and-cream leaves offering mild, sweet bitterness.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: EE6

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

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Description

Endive Seeds - Castelfranco bring a touch of elegance to your garden with their unique and striking appearance. Known for its creamy white leaves speckled with deep red, this Italian heirloom variety offers a delightful visual contrast. The plants form a loose head, typically reaching heights of 12 to 16 inches, and thrive in cooler temperatures, making them an excellent choice for spring and fall planting. With a maturity time of approximately 60 to 70 days, Castelfranco endive is a rewarding addition for those who appreciate both beauty and flavor in their garden.

Renowned for its mild, nutty taste with a hint of bitterness, Castelfranco endive is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. The tender leaves are perfect for fresh salads, adding a crisp texture and complex flavor profile that pairs well with citrus and vinaigrettes. As the leaves mature, they maintain their delicate flavor, making them suitable for braising or incorporating into warm dishes where they absorb and enhance surrounding flavors.

Yielding abundantly under optimal conditions, these endive plants prefer well-drained soil and regular watering to maintain their lush growth. Castelfranco's unique coloration intensifies as temperatures drop, providing not only a culinary delight but also a visual feast in your garden. Whether you're an avid chef or a gardening enthusiast, this endive variety offers both aesthetic appeal and culinary versatility, making it a standout choice for those seeking something truly distinctive.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

300

Life Cycle

Biennial

Scientific Name

Cichorium intybus var. foliosum

Maturity

80-89 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Containers, Community garden, Hydroponic, Indoor growing, Vertical

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Castelfranco' Endive (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum)Insects & MitesAphids (leaf distortion, sticky honeydew/sooty mold)Controls: Use a strong water spray to dislodge aphid colonies; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days. Disrupt ant trails as they tend to protect aphids. Encourage beneficial insects by planting nectar-rich flowers like alyssum, dill, and yarrow nearby.Flea Beetles (small holes in leaves, reduced growth)Controls: Employ floating row covers to protect young plants. Apply diatomaceous earth around seedlings. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor adult beetle activity. Introduce beneficial nematodes to target larvae in the soil.Slugs and Snails (ragged holes in foliage, slime trails)Controls: Handpick during damp evenings or mornings. Use iron phosphate-based baits. Create barriers with copper tape or crushed eggshells. Keep garden beds free of debris and mulch where slugs and snails hide.DiseasesDowny Mildew (yellow patches on leaves, white downy growth on undersides)Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Water at the base to keep foliage dry. Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventative measure during wet conditions.Lettuce Mosaic Virus (mottled leaves, stunted growth)Controls: Use virus-free seeds and resistant varieties. Control aphid populations as they can transmit the virus. Remove and destroy infected plants promptly to prevent spread.Physiological & Environmental IssuesTipburn (browning of leaf edges, especially in hot weather)Controls: Maintain consistent soil moisture and provide shade during peak heat. Ensure adequate calcium levels in the soil. Avoid high nitrogen fertilization which can exacerbate the issue.Bolting (premature flowering, bitter leaves)Controls: Plant in early spring or late summer to avoid high temperatures. Select bolt-resistant varieties. Maintain consistent watering to reduce stress.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Regularly inspect plants for aphids, flea beetles, and slugs/snails.- Use row covers and traps to manage insect populations.- Ensure proper spacing and air circulation to prevent downy mildew.- Water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry.- Use virus-free seeds and control aphid vectors.- Maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid excessive nitrogen.- Plant at optimal times to prevent bolting.

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Endive Seeds - Castelfranco, the speckled jewel of Italian chicories, emerges from the fertile fields of the Veneto region in Northern Italy. The name Castelfranco is derived from the town of Castelfranco Veneto, where this exquisite variety is said to have originated. Known for its striking appearance, the leaves of Castelfranco are pale cream with burgundy speckles, resembling a painter's canvas. This visual allure is matched by its mild, nutty flavor, making it a prized ingredient in Italian cuisine.For generations, Castelfranco has been a staple in the Veneto region, celebrated not only for its culinary versatility but also for its nutritional benefits. Local chefs incorporate its tender leaves into salads, often pairing it with citrus or balsamic to balance its slight bitterness. Beyond the plate, Castelfranco has been valued for its digestive properties, used traditionally to stimulate appetite and aid digestion. In the rural countryside, it was not uncommon for families to cultivate Castelfranco in their gardens, passing down seeds through generations as a cherished heirloom.The wider world began to take notice of Castelfranco in the late 20th century, as the global appetite for unique and artisanal produce grew. Its delicate flavor and striking appearance caught the attention of chefs and food enthusiasts, leading to its inclusion in gourmet dishes and high-end restaurants. This newfound popularity sparked a renaissance in heirloom chicory varieties, with Castelfranco at the forefront of this culinary revival.Botanically, Castelfranco belongs to the species Cichorium intybus, sharing lineage with other chicories like radicchio and Belgian endive. Its distinctive speckling and tender texture set it apart from its relatives, a result of selective breeding by Italian farmers who prized both its beauty and taste. The plant's adaptability to cooler climates and its resistance to pests make it a favorite among growers seeking sustainable crop options.While other chicories have gained international acclaim, Castelfranco remains the epitome of Italian elegance and agricultural tradition. It is the chicory that has graced the tables of Venetian feasts and inspired culinary creativity across continents. To cultivate Castelfranco today is to partake in a legacy that bridges rustic Italian gardens and contemporary gastronomy, honoring both the skilled farmers who nurtured its growth and the modern chefs who celebrate its flavor.In its homeland, Castelfranco is more than just a salad green; it is a symbol of regional pride and culinary heritage, a testament to the artistry of Italian agriculture. Growing Castelfranco is an invitation to experience a taste of Veneto's rich history and to savor the enduring beauty of this speckled wonder.

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Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

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We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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