Escarole (Endive) in Zone 5a & 5b
Cichorium endivia
When to plant escarole (endive) in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 12–Apr 19 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 26–May 3 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 20–Jul 27 (~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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 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 5b 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 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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