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When to plant Escarole in Barbour County, AL

The best window to plant Escarole in Barbour County, is February 24–March 17, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 10; first frost November 15. A second sowing from September 6 to September 20 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Barbour County, AL

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.

Barbour County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.

At an elevation of 454 feet, Barbour County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Escarole, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Escarole root diseases.

Barbour County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
250 days
Last Spring Frost March 10
250 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Barbour County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Escarole

Escarole needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Escarole Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 5.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Barbour County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Escarole Planting Timeline — Barbour County, AL

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Direct Sow February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 17
Harvest May 5 May 5 – Jun 2
Fall Sowing September 6 Sep 6 – Sep 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

250 days in Barbour County

Growing Tips for Barbour 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Escarole in Barbour County, AL?

Barbour County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Barbour County, AL?

Barbour County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 15.

When should I plant Escarole in Barbour County, AL?

In Barbour County, AL, plant Escarole after the last frost (around March 10) and before the first frost (around November 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Barbour County, AL for Escarole?

Barbour County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Escarole grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Escarole grow in Barbour County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Barbour County's temperate climate. Barbour County averages a 250-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 10 and first frost around November 15.

🌱

Your Barbour County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Barbour County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Barbour County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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