Endive Seeds - Green Curled Ruffec

Name: Endive Seeds - Green Curled Ruffec
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: EE4
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Vigorous heirloom endive producing tightly curled, bright-green leaves with mild bite.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: EE4

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Green Curled Ruffec Endive Seeds promise a delightful addition to your garden with their finely serrated, emerald leaves. Known for their robust growth habit, these endives reach a mature height of around 12 inches, flourishing in well-drained soil. Typically maturing in about 85 days, they offer a crisp texture and a slightly bitter taste that enhances a variety of culinary creations.

The Green Curled Ruffec's leaves start as a deep green, gradually curling to form a dense head that is both visually striking and highly productive. This cultivar thrives in cooler climates, making it an excellent choice for early spring or late summer planting. Its leaves maintain their vibrant color and texture, even in less-than-ideal conditions, ensuring a reliable harvest.

In the kitchen, Green Curled Ruffec endive shines in salads, where its bold flavor complements a range of dressings and ingredients. Its sturdy leaves also hold up well in cooking, adding a unique taste to sautés and soups. With its distinctive appearance and versatile uses, this endive is a valuable addition to both your garden and your table.

$2⁰⁰ USD

Secure checkout Details

Minimum Seed Count

300

Life Cycle

Biennial

Scientific Name

Cichorium endivia var. crispum

Maturity

80-89 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

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

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Green Curled Ruffec' (Cichorium endivia)Insects & MitesAphids (distorted leaves, sticky honeydew/sooty mold)Controls: Spray colonies with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days. Disrupt ant trails as they tend to aphids. Encourage beneficial insects by planting nectar-rich flowers like alyssum, dill, and yarrow nearby.Leaf Miners (serpentine trails on leaves)Controls: Remove and destroy affected leaves to reduce populations. Use floating row covers to prevent adult flies from laying eggs. Introduce parasitic wasps (Diglyphus isaea) to target larvae.DiseasesDowny Mildew (Bremia lactucae)Symptoms: Yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces, with corresponding white, downy growth on undersides.Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry. Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventive measure.Bottom Rot (Rhizoctonia solani)Symptoms: Brown, sunken lesions at the base of the plant, leading to wilting and collapse.Controls: Rotate crops and avoid planting in the same spot for at least two years. Improve soil drainage and avoid overhead watering. Use fungicide treatments if necessary.Physiological & Environmental IssuesTip Burn (calcium deficiency)Symptoms: Browning and necrosis of leaf edges, particularly in young leaves.Controls: Maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid rapid growth spurts by managing nitrogen levels. Ensure adequate calcium availability through soil amendments or foliar sprays.Bolting (premature flowering)Causes: High temperatures and long daylight hours.Controls: Plant early in the season to avoid heat. Choose bolt-resistant varieties and provide shade during hot periods.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for aphids and leaf miners; take action at first signs.- Maintain good air circulation to prevent downy mildew.- Rotate crops and manage soil health to reduce disease risk.- Ensure consistent watering and nutrient management to prevent tip burn.- Plant in cooler weather and provide shade to prevent bolting.

Free shipping on $25+ orders.

Endive Seeds - Green Curled Ruffec, a verdant masterpiece of the chicory family, trace their origins to the temperate fields of the Mediterranean region, where they have been cultivated for centuries. The name \"endive\" is derived from the Latin word intibus, which has roots in ancient Egypt and Greece, where it was revered as a symbol of health and vitality. The \"Green Curled Ruffec\" variety, with its intricately frilled leaves, evokes the elegance of a bygone era, reminiscent of the ornamental gardens of Renaissance Europe.For generations, endive has been a staple in European kitchens, prized not only for its slightly bitter and nutty flavor but also for its nutritional benefits. In rural France, particularly in the region of Ruffec from which this variety takes its name, endive was a cherished component of rustic salads and hearty stews. Its crisp leaves were believed to aid digestion and cleanse the blood, making it a favored ingredient during the springtime feasts that celebrated renewal and growth. Beyond the table, endive's resilience in the garden made it a symbol of perseverance, thriving even in the cooler months when other greens withered.The journey of endive from local gardens to global recognition began in the 19th century, when horticulturists and culinary enthusiasts across Europe and America sought to cultivate its unique flavor and texture. The Green Curled Ruffec variety, with its distinctive curled leaves and robust growth, became a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. Its introduction to the wider world coincided with the rise of the \"salad revolution,\" as chefs and home cooks embraced fresh, raw vegetables in their culinary repertoire.Botanically, endive is a member of the Cichorium genus, closely related to radicchio and escarole. Its cultivation requires patience and skill, as the plant's flavor is best developed through a process known as blanching, where the leaves are shielded from sunlight to reduce bitterness. This technique, passed down through generations, highlights the meticulous care and tradition involved in growing endive.Though other leafy greens have gained popularity in modern cuisine, the Green Curled Ruffec endive remains a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional varieties. It is the green that bridges the gap between ancient herbal lore and contemporary culinary trends, gracing dishes with its distinctive taste and historical depth.In its homeland and beyond, the Green Curled Ruffec endive is more than just a salad ingredient; it is a cultural artifact, a living connection to the past. To cultivate this endive today is to partake in a legacy that spans centuries, honoring both the ancient gardeners who first recognized its potential and the modern cultivators who continue to celebrate its unique character.

Shipped from U.S.A.

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

Triple tested

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!

Payment & Security

Payment methods

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.