When to Plant Escarole in Pope County, IL
Escarole is a broad-leaved endive with slightly bitter, sturdy leaves. The outer leaves are more bitter while the blanched heart is tender and mild.
Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 1,120 feet, Pope County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.
Pope County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Escarole Planting Timeline — Pope County, IL
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
197 days
Growing Tips for Pope County
Direct sow in spring or late summer. Blanch heads by tying outer leaves together or covering with a pot for 2 weeks before harvest. Excellent braised or in soups.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Escarole in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Escarole in Pope County, IL?
Pope County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pope County, IL?
Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Pope County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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