Chicorium endivia var. crispum
Origin: Italy
Improvement status: Cultivar
Seeds per packet: ~90
Germination tested 10/2024: 85%
Life cycle: Biennial
'Capillina' is the Italian version of the classic salad green most commonly known as frisée (from the French), but called "indivia riccia" in Italian. Capillina is generally fall-sown for winter harvests of large frilly heads. For best results (least bitter, most attractive pale yellow color) tie heads up 2 weeks before harvest or cover with an overturned flower pot (as shown). This yields the largest blanched hearts. Roots are also edible and medicinal, as with other chicories.
