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When to plant Escarole in Washington County County,

For Washington County County, gardeners: plant Escarole February 12 through March 5 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from September 25 to October 9 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Washington 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.

Washington County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 196 feet, Washington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°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.

Washington County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20
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Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-5.9

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" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Escarole Planting Timeline — Washington County, FL

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Direct Sow February 12 Feb 12 – Mar 5
Harvest April 30 Apr 30 – May 28
Fall Sowing September 25 Sep 25 – Oct 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December
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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 9a

📆 Growing Season

260 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, FL?

Washington County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, FL?

Washington County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 20.

When should I plant Escarole in Washington County County, ?

In Washington County County, , plant Escarole after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Washington County County, for Escarole?

Washington County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Escarole grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Escarole grow in Washington County County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Washington County County's temperate climate. Washington County County averages a 260-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 20.

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Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 9a). 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 Washington County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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