UK compost
What compost for curly endive 'frisee' in the UK?
Cichorium endivia var. crispum 'Frisee'
More about curly endive 'frisee' in the UK
Which compost curly endive 'frisee' needs
For curly endive 'frisee' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter gives quick, lush growth. Free-draining ground is important for autumn crops to avoid rot in the dense, ruffled centre.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows curly endive 'frisee' perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Curly Endive 'Frisee' does not want a rich, water-holding compost — it wants sharp drainage. Cut peat-free multipurpose roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite, and always pot into a container with drainage holes. A "cactus and succulent" bagged mix is a ready-made shortcut.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the curly endive 'frisee' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Curly Endive 'Frisee' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for curly endive 'frisee' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter gives quick, lush growth. Free-draining ground is important for autumn crops to avoid rot in the dense, ruffled centre. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for curly endive 'frisee'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for curly endive 'frisee' and will rot the roots. Cut it roughly 50:50 with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite so it drains fast.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow curly endive 'frisee' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does curly endive 'frisee' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — curly endive 'frisee' must have sharp drainage. Add about one part horticultural grit or perlite to one part compost, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
What pot and drainage does curly endive 'frisee' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Fertile, moisture-retentive loam, pH 6.0-6.8. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More curly endive 'frisee' care
See the full curly endive 'frisee' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.