Broad Leaved Batavian Escarole. Heirloom vegetable. Endive and escarole are grown like lettuce, either in rows or patches. Escarole tastes best when grown quickly in cooler weather. Be sure to add nitrogen fertilizer to the soil. This escarole produces well-rounded, tightly packed, dark green heads with deeply blanched, succulent, creamy-white hearts. A mild, delicate taste that is sure to win you over. Wonderful quickly ‘wilted’ in olive oil. Scrumptious. Broad Leaved Batavian is an old variety from way back in the 1860’s.
Attributes
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Planting Method: Direct Seed
Growth Habit: Bushy
Days to Emergence: 7 – 10
Days to Harvest 90
Height: 40 – 45cm (16 – 18in)
How to Grow
Sow seed directly outdoors in June, 6mm (1/4in) deep in rows 60cm (24in) apart. Thin seedlings to 20cm (8in) apart within the row. To promote tenderness and to discourage bitterness, blanch the inner leaves by tying the larger outer leaves up over the centre about 7 to 10 days before harvesting – make sure the outer leaves are dry when you do this.