Both endive and escarole are very close relatives, especially in terms of planting and growing. Endive and escarole are leafy greens that make for great salads with a slightly bitter taste. Today we'll show you how to grow endive and escarole. Although they do differ in taste, they are planted and grown exactly the same way. We recommend you harvest endive and escarole in the fall, as the frost can improve the plants' flavor and make them less bitter.
How to Grow Endive and Escarole – An Easy to Follow Gardening Guide
Planting Endive and Escarole:
- For an early summer harvest, sow the seeds indoors 2 months before the last frost date.
- Thin them to 6 inches apart.
- After about a month, plant them about 1 foot apart. At this point, the seedlings should be about 5-6 inches in height.
- Plant them in humus rich soil and full sun.
- For fall crops, seed in July and sow about 3 seeds per inch. Cover the seeds with 1/3 inch of sand, soil, or compost.
- Thin the seedlings to at least 1 foot apart.
- Water regularly, about one inch per week, making sure never to water the leaves.
Care:
- Water regularly, and keep leaves dry.
- Constantly check the soil to make sure it is moist and not dry.
Harvesting Endive and Escarole:
- Harvest entire heads or just leaves when ready.
- Cut the plant with a knife at ground level.
- If you leave the root in, a new plant will grow again in spring!
Happy Planting!
