
About this plant
Ascolana Escarole (Cichorium endivia Ascolana) is a premium Italian heirloom prized for its high-performance growth and exceptional culinary quality. This professional-grade variety features broad, slightly crumpled, deep green outer leaves that protect a dense, blanched, creamy-white heart. Known for being slower to bolt than other varieties, 'Ascolana' is a reliable choice for gardeners seeking a long harvest window in both spring and autumn.
This organic specialty green offers a sophisticated flavor profile—mildly bitter with a buttery, tender texture in the center. It is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, performing beautifully in fresh salads, or traditionally braised with garlic and beans. Because it is naturally cold-hardy and resistant to tip-burn, it maintains a professional appearance in the garden even as temperatures fluctuate. You will receive a 6-pack of healthy plants, providing an immediate "instant garden" density for your raised beds or containers.
Why you’ll love it:
- Gourmet Italian Quality: Features a large, heavy head with a tender, pale heart—perfect for Italian Wedding soup or sautéing.
- Organic Edible: Grown using organic practices, ensuring clean, nutrient-dense greens for your kitchen table.
- Bolt Resistant: Specifically selected for its ability to hold its shape and flavor longer during temperature shifts.
- High Yield 6-Pack: Six healthy starts allow for successive harvesting or a full, lush row in your vegetable garden.
- Cool Season Champion: Exceptionally hardy, with frost often improving the sweetness of the leaves.
These healthy live plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer consistent moisture in rich, well-drained soil. For the mildest flavor and the signature creamy-white center, you can gather the outer leaves and tie them together a week before harvest to blanch the heart. Space the plants 8–10 inches apart to allow for full head development. Ascolana Escarole is the ultimate choice for the gardener who wants organic, professional-grade production and authentic Italian flavor in a convenient 6-pack.
We take great care to ensure our seedlings are healthy and well-established before they’re shipped. Seedlings typically arrive within 1-4 days. For more information, see our shipping policy.
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