Escarole (Endive) in Zone 3a & 3b
Cichorium endivia
When to plant escarole (endive) in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b 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 | May 2–May 9 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 16–May 23 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 9–Aug 16 (~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 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. 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 3b 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 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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