Frisee Maraichere

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp and vividly frilled, Frisee Maraichere forms tight, feathery heads with a bright, lively bite—tender ribs shaded from pale ivory to soft chartreuse.

The texture is delicately crunchy with a gentle, pleasantly piquant edge that lingers beautifully. Grow it for fresh salads and elegant garnishes, or for roasting and braising where its frills turn silky and sweet at the center.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Frisee Maraichere

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Frisée Maraichere has that tight, feathery crunch plus a pleasantly piquant edge, so it needs either fat or acid to smooth the bitterness. It’s especially good when heated just enough for the frills to turn silky while the center stays lightly sweet—no mushy sad greens.

Best Uses

shaved or torn frisee salad with a sharp vinaigrette that clings to the crinkles
bistro-style endive frisée gratin/gratiner—browned edges with a soft, sweet core
hot braise or quick roast until the frills go silky and the center turns faintly sweet
crispy garnish for composed plates—use at the last minute to keep the bite

Flavor Profile

vividly frilled crunch gentle piquant bitterness tender, pale ribs with a sweet-silky center clean, leafy snap

Kitchen Pairings

mustard vinaigrette lemon bacon or lardons poached eggs Parmesan walnuts

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Cichorium endivia (frisée) and how can I manage it at home?

Watch for slugs and snails, especially when the weather is damp—frisée seedlings and tender leaves get ragged edges quickly. Set up beer traps or use slug bait labeled for use around edible plants, and keep the bed surface lightly weeded to remove hiding spots. If you see yellowing with a white, fuzzy growth at the leaf base, improve airflow and avoid wetting the foliage; remove badly affected plants to reduce spread.

How often should I water frisée (Cichorium endivia) during the main growing phase?

During the main growth (about weeks 2–6), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for consistent moisture in the top 2–3 inches. Water when the surface starts to dry, typically about 1 inch per week total from rain and irrigation, and water in the morning to reduce leaf wetness. Mulch lightly after plants establish to prevent rapid drying that can cause bitterness and loose, small heads.

How do I tell when frisée (Cichorium endivia) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at around 55 days when the plants form a compact rosette and the leaves are fully developed with clear, frilly edges. If you want milder flavor, harvest before leaves get very tough—break off the outer leaves as needed or cut the whole plant at ground level. Avoid waiting too long, because overmature frisée can become increasingly bitter and slower to regrow.