SoCal Home Gardening

Escarole

Broad, slightly bitter leaves, great in salads.

Information on Growing Escarole

Escarole, also known as broad-leaved endive, is a delicious leafy vegetable that is easy to grow in a home garden. Here's some detailed information on how to grow escarole successfully:

1. Climate and Soil Requirements: - Escarole prefers cool weather and grows best in temperatures between 60�F and 70�F (15�C to 21�C). It can tolerate light frosts. - It thrives in well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. The soil should be rich in organic matter, such as compost or aged manure.

2. Planting Time: - Escarole can be grown both in spring and fall, but it's best to avoid planting during hot summers. - In cool climates, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant them outdoors once the soil is workable. - In warmer climates, direct sow seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.

3. Seed Sowing and Transplanting: - Sow the seeds � to � inch deep, spacing them about 12 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. - Cover the seeds lightly with soil, firm it gently, and water the area thoroughly. - If you're transplanting seedlings, space them 8-12 inches apart and plant them at the same depth as they were in their containers.

4. Watering and Mulching: - Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, providing approximately 1 inch of water per week. - Apply mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and maintain an even temperature.

5. Fertilizing: - Before planting, incorporate organic matter into the soil to provide nutrients. - Once the leaves start growing, feed escarole with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, following the package instructions.

6. Sunlight: - Escarole prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

7. Pest and Disease Control: - Regularly inspect your plants for pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Handpicking pests or using insecticidal soap can help control these issues. - Practice crop rotation to minimize disease problems. - If you notice any signs of disease, such as wilting or discoloration, remove affected plants promptly to prevent the spread.

8. Harvesting: - Begin harvesting escarole when it reaches a usable size, usually around 8 to 10 weeks after planting. - Cut the outer leaves at the base using a sharp knife or shears. Leave the center leaves intact, allowing them to continue growing. - Harvesting outer leaves instead of uprooting the whole plant allows for multiple harvests until the plant bolts (starts to produce a flowering stem).

By following these guidelines, you should be able to grow healthy and flavorful escarole in your home garden. Enjoy the process and the tasty rewards!

Escarole Varieties

See All Escarole Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.