Blog

When to plant Escarole in Saline County, AR

In Zone 8a (Saline County), direct-sow Escarole between March 12 and April 2 for spring, after the March 26 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 31 to September 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Saline County, AR

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.

Saline County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 598 feet, Saline County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.

Saline County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Saline County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Escarole Planting Timeline — Saline County, AR

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 – Apr 2
Harvest May 21 May 21 – Jun 18
Fall Sowing August 31 Aug 31 – Sep 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August Fall Sowing
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

228 days in Saline County

Growing Tips for Saline 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 Saline County, AR?

Saline County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Saline County, AR?

Saline County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.

When should I plant Escarole in Saline County, AR?

In Saline County, AR, plant Escarole after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Saline County, AR for Escarole?

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

Can Escarole grow in Saline County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 9.

🌱

Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free

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

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.