When to Plant Escarole in Wallace County, KS
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.
Wallace County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 1,023 feet, Wallace County receives approximately 33.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall.
Wallace County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Escarole Planting Timeline — Wallace County, KS
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
161 days
Growing Tips for Wallace 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 Wallace County, KS?
Wallace County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wallace County, KS?
Wallace County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wallace County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.