How to prune endive

Harvest leaves from 8 weeks onward; blanch 1–2 weeks before full harvest. For leaf harvest, remove outer leaves from the base. For blanching, loosely gather and tie outer leaves over the centre with twine and leave for 10–14 days before harvesting the whole head. Remove rotting leaves immediately.

As needed during the growing season. Endive needs no pruning in the conventional sense. Harvest outer leaves as needed for a cut-and-come-again approach, or cut the whole head. For blanching (to reduce bitterness), tie outer leaves over the heart 1–2 weeks before harvest. Remove any yellowing or rotting outer leaves promptly. Bolted plants should be pulled rather than cut back.

For leaf harvest, remove outer leaves from the base. For blanching, loosely gather and tie outer leaves over the centre with twine and leave for 10–14 days before harvesting the whole head. Remove rotting leaves immediately.