Rhodos

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp, feathery fronds unfurl in a luminous, pale green heart—tender and delicately sweet with a bright, gently bitter edge that lingers like fresh herbs.

Rhodos frisée forms tight, upright heads with tightly ruffled texture, delivering a satisfying crunch that holds beautifully from garden to table. Ideal for cool-season growing, it shines as a standout frisée salad green and as a flavorful base for bold, tangy dressings and savory pairings.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 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	Jun 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Rhodos frisée keeps its upright, tightly ruffled crunch—so dress it confidently without turning to wilted mess. The pale-green sweetness comes through first, then the clean, herbaceous bitterness makes it a natural for lemony acids and salty cheese.

Best Uses

shaved or torn raw salad with a sharp vinaigrette
warm-butter tossing to lightly wilt while keeping bite
as a crisp base under creamy sauces (so it doesn’t go soft)
quick sauté with garlic and lemon for a bitter-sweet side

Flavor Profile

tender, delicately sweet fronds bright, gently bitter finish feathery crunch that stays snappy herb-like bitterness lingering on the palate

Kitchen Pairings

lemon balsamic vinegar olive oil parmesan goat cheese roasted chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Cichorium endivia (Rhodos) and how do I control it?

In cool-season beds, Cichorium endivia (endive) commonly suffers from slugs/snails and, if foliage stays wet, foliar fungal issues like downy mildew or leaf spots. Use a barrier (copper tape or diatomaceous earth) around planting areas and water in the morning so leaves dry quickly. Remove badly spotted leaves early and avoid crowding to improve airflow, which reduces fungal spread.

How often should I water Rhodos during its main growing phase?

During the 45–55 day main growth period, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for steady moisture on the top 1–2 inches rather than letting it swing dry then flood. In full sun, that typically means watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during hot spells to prevent wilting. Mulch lightly to moderate soil moisture around plants.

How can I tell when Rhodos is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are well-formed and reach full size at about 55 days, with crisp outer leaves and a firm, compact heart. For best texture, harvest before prolonged heat causes leaf bitterness to increase and leaves to bolt. If you’re growing for more tender inner leaves, blanch the plant (tie leaves up or use a light-cover) for the final days before harvest.