Frisee Tres Fin Mottis Green

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Tender, frilly fronds unfurl in a vivid mottled green—crisp to the touch with a lively, pleasantly bitter snap that lingers like fresh garden air.

Frisee Tres Fin Mottis Green forms an elegant rosette of tightly curled leaves, building a dense texture that holds beautifully for salads and refined garnishes. Grow it for its distinctive look and its bold, classic frisée character—ideal for fresh use, bright vinaigrettes, and striking platter accents.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Frisee Tres Fin Mottis Green

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 7th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full 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)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This frisée has a clean bitter edge and tight, crisp structure, so it holds dressing instead of collapsing like softer lettuces. Treat it like a refined crunchy foil—sharp vinaigrette, salty cheese, and fatty proteins make the bitterness taste intentional, not harsh.

Best Uses

raw salad bases that can take a punchy vinaigrette
tucking into composed plates for contrast—radicchio/bitter-supporting crunch
quick wilt in warm (not boiling) reductions to soften the bite without turning mushy

Flavor Profile

lively, pleasantly bitter snap crisp, frilly frond texture bright green freshness with a lingering bitter finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano gruyère poached chicken smoked salmon extra-virgin olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Cichorium endivia (frisée), and how do I treat it?

Frisée commonly suffers from aphids and leafminers, especially when new growth is tender. Rinse plants with a strong jet of water and release beneficial insects (lady beetles/lacewings) if available; for heavier pressure, spray insecticidal soap, targeting the undersides where frisée pests cluster. If you see leaf spotting or mildew-like patches, improve airflow and avoid wetting the leaves; remove badly affected leaves to slow spread.

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

Keep the soil consistently evenly moist from planting through the 30–45 day growth period, aiming for a lightly damp feel 1–2 inches down. Water deeply when the surface starts to dry, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, and avoid soggy conditions that can trigger rot. Frisée roots prefer steady moisture rather than cycles of drought then flooding.

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

Harvest at about 50 days when heads have firm, well-formed rosettes and the outer leaves are fully sized but not severely bitter-tough. For the best texture, pick in the morning and look for leaves that hold together when gently squeezed. If you’re doing “cut-and-come-again,” you can remove outer leaves while leaving the center to continue growing.