How to Grow Frisée 'Salad King'
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Frisée 'Salad King'
Cichorium endivia var. crispum
vegetableFrisée 'Salad King' is a curly endive variety known for its decorative, deeply fringed leaves and slightly bitter, complex flavor. The crisp, tender inner leaves are prized for fresh salads, while the outer leaves add visual appeal and textural contrast. This heirloom variety is relatively easy to grow and performs well in both spring and fall gardens.
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Example Frisée 'Salad King' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Frisée 'Salad King'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Frisée 'Salad King'
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons (spring and fall) and bolts quickly in summer heat
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Seed Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seeds sprout within 7-10 days; delicate cotyledons emerge followed by first true leaves with slight serration
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light or seedling grow lights; thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 true leaves appear; avoid overwatering which causes damping-off disease
Vegetative Growth (Early Rosette)
3-4 weeksPlant develops increasingly frilly outer leaves; rosette structure becomes visible; inner leaves remain more tender and pale
Maintain consistent moisture and mild temperatures (60-70°F ideal); apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; mulch around base to retain moisture and keep soil cool
Mature Rosette Development
2-3 weeksFull, dense rosette of deeply fringed leaves forms; outer leaves are larger and more intensely bitter; inner leaves pale and tender
Continue regular watering and feeding; blanch inner leaves by gently tying outer leaves together or placing a light-blocking cover over the center 2-3 weeks before harvest to make them milder and creamier
Pre-Harvest/Blanching (Optional)
2-3 weeksIf blanching, inner leaves lighten in color and become more tender and less bitter as chlorophyll reduces
Monitor blanching progress; remove cover before leaves begin to rot; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases during blanching
Harvest Ready
Variable; harvest when readyPlant reaches full size (12-14 inches diameter); outer leaves are deeply fringed and crisp; inner leaves are full but still tender
Harvest before hot weather causes bolting (sending up flower stalk); cut entire plant at soil level in morning for maximum crispness; or harvest outer leaves for continued production
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water spray to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Hand-pick in early morning or evening; use copper tape barriers around raised beds; beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth around plant base
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Practice crop rotation; remove infested plants; use row covers during vulnerable stages; avoid excessive nitrogen
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps; maintain good air circulation
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Use floating row covers; apply neem oil or spinosad; plant trap crops like radish nearby; maintain plant vigor
Uses
Salad Base & Green
CulinaryThe crisp, slightly bitter leaves are prized as a salad base, particularly in French cuisine where frisée aux lardons (warm frisée salad with bacon and poached egg) is a classic dish. The tender blanched inner leaves are milder and more delicate than outer leaves. [source]
Bitter Greens for Cooking
CulinaryOuter leaves can be sautéed or braised to reduce bitterness, contributing complex flavor to soups, grain bowls, and side dishes. Blanched leaves have a more delicate, slightly sweet taste. [source]
Digestive & Liver Support
MedicinalTraditional herbalism uses endive for supporting digestive function and liver health due to its inulin content and bitter compounds that stimulate digestive juices. The chicory family has been used in folk medicine for centuries. [source]
Natural Blanching Agent
HouseholdThe plant's natural tendency to blanch inner leaves when outer leaves block light demonstrates a useful gardening technique for reducing bitterness in other greens and vegetables. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt, frisée produces delicate blue flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The flowers are edible and can be used as garnish. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest in the morning after dew dries for maximum crispness. Cut the entire head at soil level with a sharp knife, or harvest outer leaves individually for extended production. Frisée is best harvested before temperatures exceed 75°F, as heat triggers bolting. Blanch the inner leaves 2-3 weeks before harvest (by gently tying outer leaves together or covering the center) to reduce bitterness and increase tenderness. Once cut, refrigerate immediately; the plant will keep 7-10 days in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Frisée is the French name for curly endive; in the U.S. it's often called 'curly endive,' while in Europe it may be called 'chicorée frisée.' All refer to Cichorium endivia var. crispum.
- 🌱 The blanching technique used for frisée has been practiced since the 17th century in Europe and works by blocking light to prevent chlorophyll production, resulting in pale, tender leaves with milder flavor.
- 🌱 'Salad King' is a classic heirloom variety prized by French market gardeners for its reliability, ornamental appearance, and superior texture compared to modern hybrids.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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