SPRING LACEWORK

Growing Endive 'Vesennee Kruzhevo' (Spring Lace)

When you are looking to diversify your kitchen garden, 'Vesennee Kruzhevo' from Sedek is a standout choice. It is not just another salad green; it is an endive variety that rewards your effort with unique texture and aesthetic appeal. As a grower, I have found that while it is not as 'set-it-and-forget-it' as simple lettuce, the results are worth every minute spent in the garden.

Field Experience and Cultivation

Working with seeds from breeders Dubinin, Dubinina, and Lukyanenko has taught me that this variety appreciates consistency. Being an open-ground crop, it needs specific soil conditions to thrive. Avoid heavy clays, as they stunt the root development and prevent the rosettes from reaching their full, dense potential.

• Sunlight Management: This is a long-day crop. If you push the planting too late into the summer without considering the daylight hours, the plant will bolt prematurely. Early spring or late summer sowings are your best bet for high-quality leaves.
• The Blanching Technique: Endive is naturally bitter, which is its signature. However, to make it palatable for a wider audience and achieve that tender, pale center, I practice blanching. By tying up the outer leaves about two weeks before harvest, I limit the sunlight exposure to the heart. It completely changes the flavor profile.
• Watering: Maintaining consistent soil moisture is crucial. In open ground, dry spells lead to tough leaves and can prematurely trigger the bitter compounds. I use drip irrigation or careful manual watering to ensure the base of the plant remains moist without waterlogging.

Maintenance and Harvest

The 'Vesennee Kruzhevo' seeds are quite vigorous, ensuring good emergence even when spring temperatures are fluctuating. The plant forms a beautiful, intricate rosette—the name 'Spring Lace' is well-deserved. When harvesting, do it in the early morning to ensure the leaves are crisp and hydrated. Handle them gently, as the intricate edges are delicate and can bruise easily during packing.

In short, 'Vesennee Kruzhevo' is a variety for the gardener who values quality over quantity. If you provide the right site preparation and perform simple blanching, you will end up with a premium product that looks as good as it tastes.