Eros Escarole is the earliest variety in its class, bred for gardeners who want to harvest tender, leafy greens in just 45 days from transplants. This open-pollinated cultivar thrives across hardiness zones 2 through 11, making it adaptable to nearly every North American climate. Its compact growth habit fits neatly into small spaces, while its frost tolerance means you can plant it early in spring or extend the season into fall. Johnny's Selected Seeds developed this variety specifically for speed, without sacrificing the tender texture and mild flavor that make escarole a rewarding cool-season crop.
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2-11
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Moderate
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Eros matures faster than competing escarole varieties, ready to cut in just 45 days from transplants. It grows in a tight, compact form that doesn't sprawl, making it efficient for raised beds and small gardens. As a frost-tolerant crop, it can be direct-seeded as early as the soil can be worked in spring and harvested even after light frosts, extending your harvest window on both ends of the season.
Eros escarole is grown for its edible leaves, which are harvested as tender young greens or as a fully developed head. The whole head can be cut and used in fresh salads, where its mild flavor and crisp texture shine, or lightly cooked in stir-fries and braises. As the earliest variety available, it's particularly valued by gardeners eager to harvest fresh greens in spring when other crops are still weeks away from maturity.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors in flats or cells 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost. Use 2 seeds per cell and thin to one seedling per cell once sprouted. Keep soil temperature between 50 and 75°F for reliable germination. Expect about 500 plants from 1,000 seeds.
Transplant seedlings outdoors as early as the soil can be worked in spring, or 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Space transplants 6 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Eros is frost-tolerant and handles cool spring soil well.
Direct sow seeds outdoors as early as the soil can be worked in spring. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once they develop their first true leaves.
Harvest Eros at 45 days from transplanting when the head reaches full size and the outer leaves feel crisp. Cut the entire head just above the root attachment using a sharp knife. For baby-leaf production, harvest outer leaves individually as needed, allowing the center to continue growing. Cool harvested heads quickly by dunking them in cold water, then drain and refrigerate immediately to preserve crispness and flavor.
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