300+ Broadleaf Batavian Escarole Seeds-NON GMO-A116-Cichorium Endiva-Endive Seeds-Open Pollinated Seeds
Endive varieties are divided mainly by leaf shape. Unlike the finely cut leaves of fris̩e, escarole has wider, flatter leaves. Both types grow in a rosette form around a center that can be blanched to increase sweetness and reduce the bitterness.
Sow Broadleaf Batavian escarole seeds and bundle the tips of the outer leaves with an elastic band to cut off sunlight from the center. Or fix a plastic disc in place over the center of each plant. Large, broad in shape, with slightly twisted, lettuce-like leaves form tightly packed heads with creamy white hearts. This bulky heirloom dates back to the 1860s, and simply begs to be tossed with bacon or croutons under a hot salad dressing. Heirloom from the 1860s Large and spreading Dark green, smooth outer leaves Open pollinated seeds Matures in 85 days
Exposure: Full-sun
Zone: 4-10
Timing Sow in April and again in early July to mid-August to take advantage of the fall growing season.
Optimal soil temperature: 10-22°C (50-72°F).
Seeds sprout in 2-15 days, depending on conditions. In hot weather plants will go to seed quickly, so have new plantings ready to go.
Starting Either direct seed or start indoors and transplant. Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, and thin or transplant to allow 30-45cm (12-18″) between plants in rows 30-45cm (12-18″) apart.
Growing Ideal pH: 6.0-6.5. Enrich soil with compost and add ¼ cup complete organic fertilizer into the soil beneath each transplant. Rapid, continuous growth is essential for good yields and high quality.
Regular watering is essential. Fall plantings can be protected from rain by putting a cloche over them.
Days to maturity shown are from date of direct sowing. If transplanting, subtract 10-15 days. Harvest Use as a cut and come again crop or let the heads develop and cut at ground level. Many will grow back. Seed Info In optimal conditions at least 65% of seeds will germinate. Usual seed life: 3 years. Per 100′ row: 140 seeds, per acre: 40.6M seeds.
