The Escarole Grosse Bouclee, 'Chicorium endiva', is a crackling, crisp, tender, snappy green that is a must green in Europe and for any salad. Grown properly, no green will match its flavor. There is a reason superb gourmet salads usually have Escarole, because Escarole adds flavor, texture, and visual appeal to any salad. Blanching gives Escaroles and endives a creamy texture and color. Grosse Bouclee is fairly heat tolerant.
Plant in the very early spring, 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. In warm climates plant in the fall for winter harvest. Grosse Bouclee prefers fertile, moist, well drained soil with lots of organic matter. Harvest in the fall after the first couple of light frosts because the flavor is actually improved after a light frost. In the spring, harvest before temperatures get above 90 degrees.