Growli

Overwintering guide

How to overwinter belgian endive (witloof)

Verdict
Bring indoors
When
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
Hardiness
Belgian Endive (Witloof) is hardy to roughly USDA zone 10 — winter lows around -1°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside.

Winter watering

Cut watering right back — belgian endive (witloof) uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.

The mistake that kills belgian endive (witloof) in winter

Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and belgian endive (witloof) rots from the base.

More belgian endive (witloof) care

Overwintering belgian endive (witloof) — FAQ

Does belgian endive (witloof) need to come indoors for winter?

Belgian Endive (Witloof) is hardy to roughly USDA zone 10 — winter lows around -1°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Belgian Endive (Witloof) is frost-tender, so overwintering means bringing it inside and letting it rest rather than pushing it to grow. Move it indoors well before the first frost, give it the brightest spot you have (light levels indoors drop sharply in winter), and keep it away from both cold window glass and hot radiators — the swing between the two does more damage than the cold itself.

When should I move belgian endive (witloof) for winter?

Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.

How often should I water belgian endive (witloof) in winter?

Cut watering right back — belgian endive (witloof) uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.

What kills belgian endive (witloof) over winter?

Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and belgian endive (witloof) rots from the base.