Escarole - Grosse Bouclee
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. ... get more information
Aster - Tall Matsumoto The Aster Tall Matsumoto, 'Callistephus chinensis', is a florist quality cut flower variety with tall, strong stems and an unusual bi-color flower with a yellow center. This Aster has a very long vase life. It will provide an "end-of-the-season pick-me-up" with its dazzling, radiant, medium sized flowers. The 2 inch wide flowers have white petals tipped bright pink with contrasting yellow centers. The Aster Milady prefers rich, deep, light soil. Add compost to improve marginal soil quality. The plants require average water and they do not like to dry out. Pinch off faded flowers to encourage new blooms. Plant in the spring after the last average frost date. This plant is excellent as a cut flower and the bright colors look great in any border.
