How to Grow Endive & Escarole

A cool-season leafy for the home garden across the warmer US.

Endive & Escarole is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Endive & Escarole is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the endive & escarole page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Broadleaf Batavian (Escarole), Mild, hearty heads (Baker Creek)
• Green Curled, Frilly, slightly bitter endive (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: part sun to light shade, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 25 cm (10 in) between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids, Slugs and Snails. In humid regions, Downy mildew and Bottom rot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Endive & Escarole is usually ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant endive & escarole where you garden.

See also: Endive & Escarole in the plant library →

Related guides