Escarole Géante Maraîchère Margot (untreated) - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds - Cichorium endivia var. latifolium

The Giant Maraîchère Margot Endive is a biennial vegetable plant that grows up to 50 cm (20in) tall. It is a late autumn, early winter variety that is very cold-resistant. It is cultivated for its entire and crunchy leaves, which naturally whiten. They form a large, well-filled rosette that is consumed raw in salads. Sowing is done from May to August for a harvest 3 months later.

This Endive is a vegetable plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has the Latin name Cichorium endivia latifolium and is also known as Broad-leaved Endive (without being a common endive in the usual sense), White Chicory or Escarole. It is derived from wild chicory that is naturally found in meadows and roadside edges.

Endives have a rosette habit and fairly large, undulate green leaves. The heart is white, slightly bordered with yellow. Some varieties need to be temporarily deprived of light to soften the heart and remove any potential bitterness, while others naturally whiten.

They are quite hardy but are slightly more susceptible to winter harshness than wild chicories. Therefore, in particularly cold regions, it is advisable to provide protection such as a forcing cloth or tunnel.

In the garden, they can be grown in moderately rich soil that is rather moist but well-drained.

Endive leaves are mainly consumed raw in salads but can also be cooked in juice, gratin, cream, braised, or in béchamel sauce.

All Chicories have tonic, purifying, and slightly laxative properties.

Harvest: Chicories are harvested as needed and as they grow.

Storage: They can be stored for a few days in a cool place after harvest.

Gardener's tip: Regular hoeing and weeding are recommended, and mulching is advised in case of drought.