Escarole: How to Grow, Harvest, Fertilize, and Use Escarole
Written By: Rob Gardener Last Updated:
My Journey to Growing Escarole: A Personal Account
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As a gardener and food enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting plants to grow in my garden. Recently, I've had the pleasure of cultivating Escarole, a delicious and nutritious leafy green that's perfect for adding to salads, soups, and sautés. In this article, I'll share my personal account of growing Escarole from seed to harvest, and provide some valuable tips and insights for fellow gardeners.
Getting Started
Growing Escarole from seed is relatively easy, but it does require some patience and care. To get started, I began by selecting high-quality Escarole seeds from a reputable supplier. I chose a variety that was specifically bred for its tender leaves and fast growth rate, which I hoped would ensure a bountiful harvest.
Next, I prepared the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 12 inches. I added a balanced fertilizer and some compost to give the soil a boost, and then raked it smooth to create a even surface.
Sowing the Seeds
With the soil ready, I sowed the Escarole seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in late spring, when the weather was warm and sunny. I covered the seeds with a thin layer of soil and watered them gently but thoroughly.
It's worth noting that Escarole is a cool-season crop, which means it prefers to grow in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (15°C and 21°C). I sowed the seeds in early spring, when the weather was still cool, and this allowed them to get a head start on the growing season.
Caring for the Seedlings
After the seeds had germinated and the seedlings had emerged, I provided them with plenty of light and water. I transplanted them into larger containers when they had 2-3 sets of leaves, and then gradually acclimated them to outdoor conditions over the course of 7-10 days.
As the seedlings grew, I kept the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provided them with regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. I also made sure to keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and took action quickly if I noticed any problems.
Thinning and Training
As the seedlings grew, I began to thin them out to about 6-8 inches apart to prevent overcrowding. This was a bit of a challenge, as I had grown quite attached to the little plants, but I knew it was necessary to give them enough space to grow and thrive.
To train the plants, I tied them to a stake using a soft material like twine or fabric. This helped to keep them upright and promote healthy growth, and also prevented them from flopping over in the wind.
Harvesting the Escarole
After about 60-90 days, the Escarole plants were ready to harvest. I started by snipping off the outer leaves, which I used in salads and sautés. I then began to harvest the inner leaves, working my way from the center outwards.
Escarole is a biennial crop, which means it takes two years to complete its life cycle. The first year, it produces leaves that are tender and delicious, while the second year, it produces a large, thick stem that can be harvested for its leaves.
Tips and Insights
Growing Escarole can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right care and attention, it can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Here are a few tips and insights to keep in mind:
- Choose the right variety: There are many different varieties of Escarole to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and growing requirements. Choose a variety that is well-suited to your climate and growing conditions.
- Keep the soil moist: Escarole prefers well-draining, moist soil to grow well. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during hot weather.
- Provide plenty of light: Escarole needs plenty of light to grow well, so make sure to provide it with plenty of direct sunlight.
- Watch for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take action quickly if you notice any problems. Some common pests and diseases that affect Escarole include aphids, slugs, and leaf spot.
Conclusion
Growing Escarole from seed can be a rewarding and delicious experience, but it does require some care and attention. By following these tips and insights, and providing your plants with the right conditions and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of tender, delicious leaves. Happy gardening!