Escarole (Endive) in Zone 4a & 4b
Cichorium endivia
When to plant escarole (endive) in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b 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 17–Apr 24 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 1–May 8 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 25–Aug 1 (~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 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. 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 →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
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 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
%20in%20USDA%20zone%204b%3A%20when%20to%20start%20seeds%20indoors%2C%20when%20to%20direct-sow%2C%20and%20when%20to%20expect%20a%20harvest.)
Pin this for later
Growing Escarole (Endive) in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest