How to prune curly endive 'frisee'

Remove damaged leaves as needed; blanch by covering 1–2 weeks before planned harvest in autumn. Pull away or cut yellowed outer leaves at the base. To blanch, gather the outer leaves and secure them loosely over the centre with twine, or invert a plate or pot over the heart, ensuring the head is dry to prevent rot.

As needed for leaf removal; once per crop cycle for pre-harvest blanching. Curly endive 'Frisee' needs minimal pruning — just remove any damaged or yellowing outer leaves to keep the plant tidy and improve airflow. Self-blanching happens naturally in the dense heart, but you can also tie or cover the head for a week or two before harvest to whiten inner leaves and reduce bitterness.

Pull away or cut yellowed outer leaves at the base. To blanch, gather the outer leaves and secure them loosely over the centre with twine, or invert a plate or pot over the heart, ensuring the head is dry to prevent rot.