Escarole, Schiana (Organic)
Cichorium endivia. 60-70 days.
A delicious hardy escarole from Italy that has a unique leaf shape compared to other escarole. Leaves are more strap shaped and not as wide as varieties like Diva. This narrower leaf makes Schiana an excellent choice for salad mix and braising greens. Flavor is sweet with a slight walnut-like hint of astringency common in escarole. We have said many times that escarole is one of our favorite fall and winter foods and Schiana is fantastic! Also known as Paparegna, this variety is originally from the province of Naples, recognized as being grown in the Agro Nocerino Sarnese, the same protected geographical region of production as the San Marzano tomato. It is also an essential ingredient in pizza escarole.
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Sow indoors with good potting soil February through September. Transplant into the garden about 3-4 weeks after sprouting. In our region, endive can grow through the winter without protection, but is best sown in June or July for this purpose. Alternatively, direct sow March through August.
Seed Saving
Collect seeds from 5 or more plants when seeds have dried down. Cut whole plants, place on tarp, dance and stomp to free the seeds. Collect seeds from tarp, winnow to clean. Isolate by 50′ from other Cichorium sp.
Gabriella Kadar (verified owner) –
Where did you grow this variety? Canada
Both techniques have resulted in beautiful robust plants.
I’ve already harvested a few small ones from the direct sowed to thin them but the
ones I planted from indoor starts are also growing super well.
Totally impressed with the quality.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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