Grosse Pancaliere

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Lush, tightly ruffled fronds unfurl in a cool, luminous green—crisp, tender, and delicately bitter in the most refreshing way.

Grosse Pancaliere forms a compact head with a lively, feathery texture that holds its shape beautifully from garden to bowl, making it a standout for fresh salads and vibrant garnishes. Grow it for an elegant, restaurant-worthy frisee presence and a flavor that perks up every plate with gentle complexity.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Grosse Pancaliere

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 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 12th
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)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Grosse Pancaliere’s tight, ruffled fronds deliver a bright snap and a clean, refreshing bitterness that makes the whole salad taste more alive—even before dressing. It’s built for plates where you want texture to stay upright: toss lightly, dress at the last second, and let the frisee cut through fat and mellow cheeses.

Best Uses

shaved-or-torn frisee salads with a sharp vinaigrette
warm bacon/hot-stewed applications where the bitterness cuts richness
garnish for composed plates—especially with runny eggs and vinaigrettes
quick sauté or braise to soften while keeping some bite

Flavor Profile

crisp, airy fronds with snappy crunch delicate bitterness that stays refreshing, not harsh clean, slightly nutty edge tender ruffles that dress without collapsing

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette bacon or pancetta soft-poached or fried eggs Parmesan mustard shallot-inflected dressing

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often hits Cichorium endivia (frisée) and what should I do?

Watch for slugs and snails, which commonly chew frisée leaves after emergence and can leave ragged holes. Set copper tape or use slug bait specifically labeled for snails/slugs, and remove leaf litter/weeds where they hide; hand-pick at dusk if populations are low. If you see pale, fuzzy growth or leaf spotting, improve airflow by thinning and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.

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

During the 3–5 weeks of active leaf growth, keep the soil consistently lightly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rain and heat. Water in the morning and aim for the soil (not the leaves), since frisée can develop foliar issues when foliage stays wet. If the surface dries, water again promptly; letting it swing between dry and soggy can lead to bitter, poorly expanding leaves.

How can I tell when my Grosse Pancaliere (Cichorium endivia) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads/leaf rosettes are full and firm enough to hold together, typically around 55 days from sowing (timing varies by temperature). Leaves should be long and well-developed, with frisée-style frilly edges; if they’re still narrow and sparse, wait a bit longer. Cut the whole rosette at the base in the cool part of the day for the best texture.