When to Plant Escarole in Conejos County, CO
What to do in May
Welcome to May in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Scatter escarole into prepared beds
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Transplants going out: escarole
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.
Conejos County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.
At an elevation of 6,770 feet, Conejos County receives approximately 24.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall.
Conejos County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.8
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 Conejos County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.8) is more alkaline than Escarole prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Conejos County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Escarole.
How to Plant Escarole
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Escarole
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 09.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Conejos 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 — Conejos County, CO
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Sep 1 |
| Fall Sowing | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
100 days in Conejos County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Conejos County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after June 09 in Conejos 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.
Conejos County receives only 24" 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 Conejos County, CO?
Conejos County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 9. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Conejos County, CO?
Conejos County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 9 and first fall frost is September 17.
Your Conejos County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Conejos County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.