Escarole (Endive) in Zone 8a & 8b
Cichorium endivia
When to plant escarole (endive) in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Feb 25–Mar 4 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Mar 11–Mar 18 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 4–Jun 11 (~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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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 8b 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 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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