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When to Plant Escarole in Perry County, IN

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.

Perry County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 873 feet, Perry County receives approximately 31 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.

Perry County, IN (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 3 – Jul 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Jul 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Jul 21

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,051 gal / 100 sq ft
Escarole needs ~1,050 GDD — county provides 3,342 GDD Excellent fit

Escarole Planting Timeline โ€” Perry County, IN

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ Apr 26
Direct Sow March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 19
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 โ€“ Aug 25
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 โ€“ Jul 5

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

191 days

Growing Tips for Perry 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

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Escarole in Perry County, IN?

Perry County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Perry County, IN?

Perry County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Perry County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Perry County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.