Escarole (Cichorium endivia) is a cool-season crop with broad, dark green leaves and a mildly bitter taste. It’s a great variety to grow in early spring or late summer, especially in raised or elevated garden beds, where better drainage and soil control are key for growing leafy vegetables like escarole. Often confused with romaine or leaf lettuce, escarole is sturdier, with a broader leaf structure that holds up well to cooking—making it ideal for soups, sautés, and broths.

A long-time staple in Italian-American cooking, particularly in dishes like escarole soup or sautéed greens with garlic, escarole has been a part of Mediterranean diets for centuries. In recent years, however, it has gained popularity in the U.S., especially among home gardeners and chefs focused on heritage vegetables and building seasonal kitchen gardens. It’s particularly common in northern California, the Northeast, and urban areas where cool-weather crops and traditional gardening methods are central to local food culture.

1. Prep The Soil in Elevated Garden Beds

To prep the soil in elevated garden beds, use a layered approach like the Hugelkultur method or compost-based layering. Start with a base layer of logs or sticks for drainage and decomposition, followed by a middle layer of food scraps or half-composted material for microbial activity. Top it off with a mix of garden base soil, compost, and a drainage aid like sand or perlite. Escarole thrives in loose, well-draining soil that retains moisture, with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.

2. When and How to Plant

Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or directly into the elevated garden bed in late spring or late April, once soil temperatures reach at least 50°F, depending on the USDA hardiness zone (typically zones 4-9). Escarole seeds generally take 7–14 days to germinate when the soil temperature is between 60°F and 70°F, so it's important to maintain the right temperature to encourage successful sprouting. For transplanting, move young plants into the garden once daytime temperatures are steady and cool. Keep in mind that escarole is a slow-growing variety, taking 80–90 days to mature. To ensure continuous harvests, plant successively every 2–3 weeks.

3. Guidelines for Starting Seeds

When to Sow Directly into Elevated Garden Beds:

Mild Weather & Stable Conditions: If temperatures are above 50°F and the weather is stable, sow seeds directly into the garden. This is ideal in late spring or early fall when conditions are favorable.

Long Growing Season: In areas with a longer growing season, you can sow directly into the soil without needing seedling trays, especially when soil temperatures are warm enough.

Succession Plantings: Direct sowing works well for continuous harvests. It’s faster and easier to sow seeds directly in loose soil for crops you plan to harvest over time.

When Not to Sow Directly into Elevated Garden Beds:

Cooler or Unpredictable Weather: If temperatures are still too cold (below 50°F) or if there's a risk of frost, using seedling trays helps protect seeds and give them a better start indoors.

Short Growing Season: In regions with a shorter growing season, starting seeds in trays ensures plants get a head start before being moved outdoors, giving them enough time to mature.

Better Control Over Growth: Starting seeds in trays allows for better control over moisture, temperature, and pests, which can be crucial for delicate seedlings.

4. Growth Conditions

Light: Escarole thrives in full sun, which encourages strong growth and vibrant leaves. However, during particularly hot weather, providing partial shade can help prevent heat stress and maintain healthy plants.

Watering: To support healthy growth, escarole requires consistent watering, typically 1–2 inches per week. It’s important to avoid overhead watering, as this can increase the risk of diseases like mildew. Instead, aim to keep the soil evenly moist, which will help the plants maintain their upright growth habit.

Spacing: For optimal airflow and to reduce the risk of fungal infections, especially during cold or wet spells, space escarole plants 8–12 inches apart. Proper spacing ensures that each plant has room to grow and reduces the chances of disease spreading between them.

Fertilization: Begin with compost-rich soil to give the plants a strong start. Afterward, apply a nitrogen-rich organic slow-release fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to support continuous growth. Additionally, monitor the compost in the elevated garden beds and add more as needed to replenish nutrients in the garden's base soil.

Temperature Range: Escarole grows best in temperatures ranging from 45°F to 75°F. It can tolerate light frost during cooler seasons but requires protection from hard freezes.

Mulching: A thin layer of coco mulch applied around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth for a stable soil temperature in the elevated garden bed.

Thinning: Once the true leaves appear, thin or transplant the seedlings to about 8–12 inches apart, giving the plants enough space to develop properly and ensuring healthy growth.

5. Harvesting Escarole

Outer Leaves: Pick outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again approach, extending harvest.

Full Harvest: When heads are 10–12 inches wide, cut the whole plant at soil level.

6. Companion Plants & Problems

Good Choices: Radishes, onions, and other root crops are excellent choices for planting in elevated garden beds. However, avoid planting fava beans, as they can inhibit the growth of nearby plants by releasing certain compounds into the soil that affect the growth of other vegetables.

Pests: The most common pests for escarole include aphids, slugs, and snails. Aphids are attracted to the tender new growth of leafy greens, and they tend to cluster on the undersides of leaves, sucking the sap and causing leaves to curl and yellow. Slugs and snails, drawn to moist environments, can cause significant damage by chewing on the tender leaves. 

Diseases: Escarole is prone to mildew, especially when planted too closely together. The lack of airflow in densely planted beds can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for fungal growth. To minimize this risk, maintain adequate spacing between plants to encourage good air circulation and avoid planting in areas that were previously used for heat-loving crops like tomatoes or peppers. 

Final Thoughts

Escarole is a heritage crop deeply valued in many ethnic communities for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits, making it a staple in traditional dishes. Not only is it a versatile and flavorful green, but it's also an easy-to-grow crop that thrives in garden beds, adding both color and variety to your garden. This spring, take a page from the culinary traditions of these cultures and give escarole a try in your elevated garden beds. Who knows? It may become a new favorite staple in your garden and kitchen.