When to Plant Escarole in Dillingham Census Area, AK
Top priorities for Dillingham Census Area, Alaska gardeners in May
Each item below is timed to Dillingham Census Area, Alaska's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 410 feet, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Escarole root diseases.
Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Dillingham Census Area
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) overlaps with Escarole's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dillingham Census Area is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Escarole.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Escarole will thrive.
How to Plant Escarole
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dillingham Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Escarole Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Escarole Planting Timeline — Dillingham Census Area, AK
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Dillingham Census Area
Growing Tips for Escarole in Dillingham Census Area
Common pests for Escarole in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Escarole in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Escarole in Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 4b 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 Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.
Your Dillingham Census Area Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dillingham Census Area (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.