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Ascolana Escarole, 6 plants

Ascolana Escarole, 6 plants

Regular price $14.99
Regular price $20.94 Sale price $14.99
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  • 6-8 weeks mature
  • Certified Organic
  • Full Sun (6+ hrs/day) recommended
  • Ships as a 6-pack plant

Growth Timeline

  • Growing Season: Year Round (in mild climates)
  • First Harvest: You may start picking leafs as soon as there are at least 3 mature leaves (4-5" long), which takes about 3-4 weeks. Always keep at least 3 leaves on plant for vegetative growth to continue.
  • Final Harvest: 8-12 weeks

Growing Zone

Ascolana Escarole, 6 plants grows best in zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, but may do well outside that range as well.

Most leafy greens like the cooler temperatures, but they can generally grow year-round. You want to be aware of the extreme temperature ranges in your region. Refer to the guidelines below:

COLD CLIMATES

  • If you live in a location where the temperatures dip below freezing, hold off on growing until night temperatures are consistently in the 40's.
  • On the occasional dips into the 30's, you can cover your seedlings with a sheet overnight.

WARM CLIMATES:

  • If you regularly experience temperatures above 90 degrees for long periods of time, you may want to focus on herbs and heat-tolerant fruiting plants (tomatoes and peppers) during the heat intensive months.
  • Once temperatures are consistently in the 80's, you can start growing leafy greens.

To find out what extreme temperatures your location experiences, check out the USDA zone for your region.

Watering Tips

Keep soil consistently moist.

Will this plant work in your area?

Enter your ZIP code to find your USDA hardiness zone.

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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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