Numero 5

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Silky, deeply ruffled leaves unfurl in a cool, elegant rosette—Numero 5 brings a crisp, tender bite with a pleasantly mellow edge and a clean, refreshing finish.

The texture is finely crinkled and satiny, holding its shape beautifully whether you’re enjoying it straight from the garden or turning it into a bright, leaf-forward centerpiece. With about 75 days to maturity, this endive is a reliable choice for home gardeners seeking refined flavor and showy form in every harvest.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Rosette

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	Jul 2nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
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)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Numero 5’s finely crinkled, satiny leaves keep their shape—so you get crunch where you expect it, not a watery wilt. Its mellow bitterness begs for bright acid (lemon or vinaigrette) and salty/fatty foils like parmesan, goat cheese, or prosciutto.

Best Uses

simple shaved or torn rosettes dressed with a sharp vinaigrette
leaf-forward salads that need structure (hold dressing without collapsing)
quick sautéing or braising to tame bitterness while keeping some snap
plating as a chilled bed for creamy or salty toppings

Flavor Profile

crisp, tender bite silky, finely crinkled texture mellow bitterness clean, refreshing finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon balsamic vinegar parmesan hazelnuts goat cheese prosciutto

Frequently Asked Questions

Endive (Cichorium endivia) pests/disease: how do I handle aphids or downy mildew?

Check the undersides of leaves and new growth often for aphids; treat early with a strong water spray, then repeat every 2–3 days for a week if needed. For downy mildew (often shows as pale yellow patches that turn gray/white beneath leaves), remove affected leaves, improve airflow between plants, and avoid watering the foliage—water only at the soil line. If it keeps spreading in cool, damp weather, use an appropriate labeled fungicide for edible greens and follow the label timing.

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

During active leaf growth, keep soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total, split into 2–3 waterings if days are hot or windy. Let the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) dry slightly between waterings to prevent soggy conditions, which can worsen mildew. Mulch helps stabilize moisture for endive, but don’t let mulch sit against the crown.

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

Harvest when heads/rosettes are fully formed and leaves are crisp and well-developed, typically around 70–85 days after sowing depending on temperature (often ~75 days to maturity). Look for a good size for your variety and avoid waiting for bitterness to intensify—if leaves start to look overly mature or tough, harvest promptly. Use scissors to cut at the base, ideally in the morning when leaves are most turgid.