Vegetable Gardens

Endive, Escarole

Endive and Escarole

These two strong-flavored leafy greens are commonly used in salads. Both are cool-season vegetables like lettuce and are best grown like head lettuce; transplants in spring and direct seeding in fall.

Endive has curly, finely cut leaves, while escarole has broad, flat leaves. Both have a somewhat coarse texture and a strong flavor that some interpret as bitter.

Varieties

• Florida Deep Heart—broad, dark green leaves, creamy white heart; escarole type; 85 days.
• Green Curled—finely cut, curled leaves; endive type; 95 days.