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How to Grow Broadleaf Endive From Seed

By Maxim Kaufman — Founder & CEO, Organo Republic

Updated July 2026

Broadleaf endive is the escarole type, forming a broad, open rosette of wide, slightly wavy green leaves. Maturing in about 85 days, it is a cool-season crop grown mainly for a fall harvest, when the weather keeps its flavor mild and pleasantly bitter. Blanching the center a couple of weeks before harvest turns the heart pale, tender, and much sweeter. It is excellent both raw in salads and cooked into soups and sautes.

This is the quick guide to Broadleaf (Escarole). For the full step-by-step on starting seeds, sowing, feeding, and troubleshooting endive, see our complete guide to growing endive from seed.

Quick start

Sow Broadleaf endive in mid to late summer for a fall harvest, planting seeds shallowly and thinning to 8 to 12 inches apart in rich, moist soil. Give steady water and full sun to light shade for full, tender rosettes. It matures in about 85 days; about two to three weeks before harvest, blanch the center by tying up the outer leaves or covering the crown to sweeten the heart. Cut whole heads once the rosettes are full and well blanched.

Best tip

Endive is a cool-season crop, so time it for fall: heat makes the leaves aggressively bitter and pushes plants to bolt. The signature move is blanching, gathering and tying the outer leaves over the crown, or setting a plate on top, about two to three weeks before harvest so the shaded heart turns pale, tender, and sweet. In cold northern zones a light frost further mellows the flavor; in hot-summer regions, wait until temperatures cool before sowing. Keep moisture even to avoid tough, extra-bitter leaves.

At a glance

Botanical nameCichorium endivia var. latifolia

Plant typeCool-season annual/biennial grown as an annual

USDA zones3 to 9 (grown as an annual)

SunFull sun to part shade (6+ hours ideal)

Days to maturityAbout 85 days from sowing

Height10 to 14 inches

Spacing8 to 12 inches apart

WaterConsistent and even; about 1 to 1.5 inches per week

Uses

Broadleaf endive, or escarole, is prized in the kitchen for its gentle bitterness. Use the tender blanched hearts raw in salads, and the sturdier outer leaves in the classic Italian way, wilted into white bean soups, sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or braised as a side. Its structure holds up to cooking better than lettuce, making it a versatile cool-season green.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Broadleaf endive take to grow?

This broad-leaved escarole matures in about 85 days from sowing. Sow in mid to late summer for a fall harvest, when cooler weather keeps the leaves milder and sweeter.

How do I make Broadleaf endive less bitter?

Blanch the center. About two to three weeks before harvest, gather the outer leaves and tie them up, or set a plate over the crown, to block light from the heart. The blanched inner leaves turn pale, tender, and much sweeter.

Is Broadleaf endive the same as escarole?

Yes. Broadleaf endive is the escarole type, with wide, slightly wavy leaves rather than the frilly fringe of curly endive (frisee). It has a milder, less bitter flavor and is excellent both raw in salads and cooked in soups.

When should I plant Broadleaf endive?

Endive is a cool-season crop and grows best for a fall harvest. Sow in mid to late summer so the plants mature as temperatures drop; hot weather makes the leaves more bitter and can cause bolting.

Ready to grow your own? Broadleaf endive seeds give you broad-leaved escarole with a mild bitterness that sweetens when you blanch the center. For the full step-by-step, see our complete endive growing guide linked at the top of this page.

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By Maxim Kaufman — Founder & CEO, Organo Republic

Maxim founded Organo Republic in 2017 and personally selects, tests, and grows the heirloom, non-GMO varieties the company offers. Under his leadership, Organo Republic was named Agri Business Review’s Top Non-GMO Seed Variety Solution 2026.