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When to Plant Escarole in Summit County, UT

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.

Summit County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.

At an elevation of 8,145 feet, Summit County receives approximately 24.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.

Summit County, UT (Zone 5a) Very short season
94 days
Last Spring Frost June 10
94 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12

Summit County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 25 Transplant: May 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Aug 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 6 Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Sep 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 17 Transplant: Jun 21 🍅 Harvest: Aug 16 – Sep 13

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Escarole needs ~870 GDD — county provides 1,363 GDD Excellent fit

Escarole Planting Timeline โ€” Summit County, UT

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 20
Transplant Outdoors June 10 Jun 10 โ€“ Jun 24
Direct Sow May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jun 17
Fall Sowing July 4 Jul 4 โ€“ Jul 18
Harvest August 5 Aug 5 โ€“ Sep 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Start Indoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5a

Growing Season

94 days

Growing Tips for Summit 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 Summit County, UT?

Summit County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Summit County, UT?

Summit County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Summit County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Summit County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.