{"product_id":"seed-savers-pink-star-endive-organic","title":"Seed Savers Pink Star Endive (Organic)","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePlant Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sweetness of this escarole-type endive sets it apart from other escaroles (a slightly bitter green in the chicory family). The flavor of ‘Pink Star’ works well in both fresh salads and cooked dishes; it especially stands out in Italian cuisine featuring garlic and olives. Round plants have thick, green to yellow-green leaves that are tightly folded and toothed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Habits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRound plants reach 5—8” tall and 12–15” wide. This endive grows quickly, maturing in 60–75 days. Baby leaves are ready earlier, about 40 days after planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Harvest and Store\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eHarvest\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ebaby leaves about 40 days after planting. For full heads or rosettes, wait until the plant is firm and full size (about a foot wide). You can harvest either individual leaves (cut-and-come-again method) or the entire plant; either way, harvest endive in the morning when the leaves are crisp and hydrated. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCut-and-come-again: Using clean scissors or a knife, cut the outer leaves about an inch above the soil, but leave the center intact so it keeps growing and can be harvested again.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEntire plant: When the head is mature, use clean scissors or a knife to cut the plant off at the soil level.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eStore\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eunwashed leaves in a bag or container in the refrigerator; they’ll keep about 5–7 days. Wash leaves when you are ready to use the greens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEscarole—a mild-flavored, broad-leafed member of the chicory family—features sturdy, green leaves that are less bitter than curly endive or radicchio. It is commonly used in Italian cooking, specifically in sautées, salads, and soups. ‘Pink Star’ is sweet, not bitter, and works well for fresh salads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Instructions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Pink Star’ endive can be started 5–6 weeks before the last frost date indoors and transplanted out, or sown directly outdoors following the same guidelines (below) as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSow seeds ¼” deep\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGermination: 5-7 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace: 6-8\" apart, when a light frost is still possible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight: full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil: loose, fertile, and consistently moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: Place plants closer together or cover centers for well-blanched, tender stems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf saving seeds, endive requires 10 to 20 feet for an isolation distance to avoid cross-pollination. One plant can produce viable seed. To maintain the variety’s health over time, save seeds from between five and 10 plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seed Savers Exchange","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48677981520095,"sku":"0298A-P100","price":4.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0022\/3110\/7693\/files\/0298-pink-star-endive.avif?v=1774376077","url":"https:\/\/market.coppercreeklandscapes.com\/products\/seed-savers-pink-star-endive-organic","provider":"Copper Creek Garden Center","version":"1.0","type":"link"}