Escarole is a leafy green vegetable from the Chicory family, known for its slightly bitter flavor and versatility in the kitchen. With broad, curly leaves, escarole is commonly used in soups, salads, and sautés, adding a unique taste and texture to various dishes. It thrives in cool and warm climates, making it suitable for various growing conditions. Escarole seeds are available in different varieties, allowing gardeners to select based on specific climate and flavor preferences.
Different Types of Escarole Seeds
Escarole offers several seed varieties, each suited for different gardening and culinary needs. Here’s a list of all the different types of Escarole Seeds.
- Full Heart Batavian
- Broad Leaf Batavian
- Green Curled Ruffec
- Diva
- Bellezia
- Cornetto di Bordeaux
Where to Buy Escarole Seeds
Choosing reputable sellers ensures you get high-quality escarole seeds with strong germination rates. Here are our top recommendations for trusted US-based sellers.
- True Leaf Market: Offers a wide variety of high-quality seeds, including escarole, for robust growth.
- Everwilde Farms: Specializes in heirloom and unique seed varieties, including sustainably sourced escarole seeds.
- Sow Right Seeds: Known for its diverse selection and reliable quality, perfect for escarole cultivation.
- Home Grown Seeds: Provides a broad range of vegetable seeds, focusing on customer satisfaction and viability.
- Survival Garden Seeds: Resilient seeds designed for challenging conditions, including escarole.
- Gardeners Basics: Supplies essential gardening seeds with planting instructions for escarole.
- Burpee: A trusted name that offers high-quality escarole seeds.
Benefits of Growing Escarole
Growing escarole provides numerous advantages for novice and experienced gardeners, offering a steady supply of nutrient-rich greens for the kitchen.
- Adds unique flavors to recipes
- Thrives in various climates
- Fast-growing, quick-to-harvest
- Great for container gardening
- Low-maintenance care requirements
- Adds diversity to your garden
- Helps prevent soil erosion
- Attracts beneficial insects
- Good for crop rotation
- High yield per plant
Health Benefits of Escarole
Incorporating escarole into your diet offers significant health benefits, providing essential vitamins and minerals that support overall well-being.
- High in fiber for digestive health
- Rich in vitamin A for eye health
- Contains vitamin K for bone strength
- Low in calories for weight management
- Antioxidants for cellular health
- Vitamin C boosts immunity
- Supports skin health
- Aids in heart health
- Helps regulate blood pressure
- Contains folate, essential for cell growth
How to Grow Escarole Seeds Indoors
Each escarole variety has specific growing instructions, and the recommended sellers provide detailed guides with their seeds. Here are some basic instructions for growing escarole indoors.
- Choose a Suitable Container: Use pots with drainage holes to avoid water buildup.
- Prepare Potting Mix: Fill with rich, well-draining potting soil.
- Sow the Seeds: Plant escarole seeds ¼ inch deep, spaced about 1 inch apart.
- Water Regularly: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
- Provide Adequate Light: Place in a sunny area or use grow lights for at least 6 hours daily.
- Maintain Temperature: Keep indoor temperatures around 65-70°F.
- Thin Seedlings: Remove weaker seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
- Fertilize Bi-Weekly: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
- Watch for Pests: Inspect for pests and manage them promptly.
- Harvest: Snip leaves as they mature, encouraging continuous growth.
How to Grow Escarole Seeds Outdoors
Each escarole seed type has specific outdoor growing instructions, which the recommended sellers include with their products. Here are general steps to grow escarole outdoors.
- Select a Sunny Location: Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Prepare the Soil: Work in compost to make the soil nutrient-rich and well-draining.
- Sow Seeds Directly: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
- Water Consistently: Keep soil moist, especially during the germination period.
- Mulch the Area: Apply mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
- Thin the Plants: Once seedlings grow, thin to allow 12 inches between plants.
- Fertilize Monthly: Use a balanced fertilizer to support growth.
- Control Weeds: Remove any weeds around the plants.
- Protect from Pests: Use organic pest control methods if needed.
- Harvest Leaves: Pick leaves when they reach the desired size.
About Worldly Seeds
Worldly Seeds started as a family-run seed store, but we transitioned our focus to fit our lifestyle and goals. While selling seeds was rewarding, we decided to close our shop to focus on helping others start a successful seed business. We now provide resources for starting a home-based seed business, detailed guides on where to buy seeds, how to grow them, and tips for successful gardening.
Frequent international travel made managing an online seed store challenging, but our part-time business helped us earn nearly $250,000 in just two years. We’re now dedicated to sharing our experience, helping others build their new seed business, and offering trustworthy recommendations for quality seed suppliers. Even though we no longer sell seeds, we stay connected to the gardening community through those we help and the knowledge we share.