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When to plant Escarole in Seminole County, FL

Plant Escarole in Seminole County from January 13 to February 3 in spring. Seminole County sits in USDA Zone 10a, with last frost around February 3 and first frost on December 21. A second sowing from October 26 to November 9 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Seminole County, FL

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.

Seminole County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.

At an elevation of 260 feet, Seminole County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Escarole may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Escarole will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Escarole root diseases.

Seminole County, FL (Zone 10a) Year-round
321 days
Last Spring Frost February 3
321 growing days
First Fall Frost December 21

Seminole County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.9

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 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering

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

Escarole Planting Timeline — Seminole County, FL

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 6 Jan 6 – Jan 20
Transplant Outdoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Direct Sow January 13 Jan 13 – Feb 3
Harvest March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 28
Fall Sowing October 26 Oct 26 – Nov 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Harvest
April Harvest
May
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November Fall Sowing
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 10a

📆 Growing Season

321 days in Seminole County

Growing Tips for Seminole 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 Seminole County, FL?

Seminole County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 3. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Seminole County, FL?

Seminole County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 3 and first fall frost is December 21.

When should I plant Escarole in Seminole County, FL?

In Seminole County, FL, plant Escarole after the last frost (around February 3) and before the first frost (around December 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Seminole County, FL for Escarole?

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

Can Escarole grow in Seminole County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Seminole County's temperate climate. Seminole County averages a 322-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 3 and first frost around December 21.

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Your Seminole County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Seminole 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.

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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 Seminole County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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