FRISÉE SEEDS

Cichorium endiva

ORGANIC

This little French très fine maraîchère frisée produces petite heads of delicately filigreed greens that will beautifully cradle a single poached egg.

Start seeds indoors about four weeks before the ground can be worked: sow seeds just below soil surface, pressing gently to keep snug; kept moist in bright light these seeds will germinate at room temperature (65F) in about a week. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual containers. Transplant in early spring, spacing closely, around 6” apart. Frisée is very hardy and will withstand frost. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop.

For sweet tender pale green and yellow centers, tie plants using twine or a large rubber band about a week before harvest (or up to two weeks in cold late autumn or early winter) to blanch hearts. The picture here shows spring-planted summer growth that hasn’t been blanched. Either way, leaves make excellent salad, especially in autumn. Pair with sweet and rich flavors, like balsamic vinegar and bacon, or ripe pear and candied nuts in autumn. So good.

Packet contains at least 200 seeds.