Escarole (Endive) in Zone 2a & 2b
Cichorium endivia
When to plant escarole (endive) in zone 2b
Zones 2a and 2b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Escarole (Endive) tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 22–Apr 29 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 6–May 13 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 30–Aug 6 (~85 days after planting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.
Escarole and endive are frilly-to-broad-leaved chicory relatives that head up right in the garden and are eaten as a slightly bitter salad green, distinct from the Belgian endive already covered on this site, which is dug and forced in total darkness instead.
How escarole (endive) fits zone 2's season
Zone 2b's frost-free window runs about 104 days, from May 20 to September 1. Escarole (Endive) needs about 85 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Escarole (Endive).
Where to buy escarole seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing escarole (endive)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 2b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Escarole (Endive) in USDA zone 2b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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