Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
POLLINATION NOTES
Endives are insect-pollinated outcrossers. Multiple varieties can be cross-pol-
linated by insects, so in an ideally arranged home garden, use an isolation distance of 500 ft. (150 m)
between different varieties (or grow only one variety per year). Since wild endive is not found wild in
central Europe, crossing with it is not a danger there. Chicory varieties (
Cichorium intybus
) do not
cross-pollinate endive (though endive can cross-pollinate chicory). When growing plants in isolation
cages, mason bees, bumblebees, and some hoverfly species can be used. Flowers are open only in the
morning. They wither at midday, and new flowers open the next day. Blossoming occurs over several
weeks. Hand pollination is also a possibility: similar to what is done in hand pollinating squash, endive
flower buds are shut with tape or covered with a non-woven cloth bag. Pollinate the next day with a
brush and re-cover.
Endive seed differentiates itself clearly from lettuce seed.
Endive and chicory flowers share the same brilliant blue color.
Moderately curled escarole
