When to Plant Escarole in San Mateo County, CA
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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.
San Mateo County, California is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 18 and the first fall frost is December 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 328 days.
At an elevation of 277 feet, San Mateo County receives approximately 16.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Escarole successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
San Mateo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in San Mateo County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.2) overlaps with Escarole's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in San Mateo County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Escarole.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Escarole.
How to Plant Escarole
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Escarole
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 17.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in San Mateo County). 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 — San Mateo County, CA
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 21 | Dec 21 – Jan 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 18 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Direct Sow | December 28 | Dec 28 – Jan 18 |
| Harvest | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 12 |
| Fall Sowing | October 17 | Oct 17 – Oct 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
328 days in San Mateo County
Growing Tips for Escarole in San Mateo County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after January 18 in San Mateo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Escarole in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
San Mateo County receives only 17" of rain annually. Escarole needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 San Mateo County, CA?
San Mateo County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 18. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Mateo County, CA?
San Mateo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 18 and first fall frost is December 12.
Your San Mateo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for San Mateo County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.