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When to plant Escarole in Dawson County, GA

Plant Escarole in Dawson County from March 17 to April 7 in spring. Dawson County sits in USDA Zone 8a, with last frost around March 31 and first frost on November 3. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Dawson County, GA

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.

Dawson County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 433 feet, Dawson County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Escarole, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Escarole root diseases.

Dawson County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
217 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Dawson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.3

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 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Escarole Planting Timeline — Dawson County, GA

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 14
Direct Sow March 17 Mar 17 – Apr 7
Harvest May 26 May 26 – Jun 23
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 – Sep 8

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

217 days in Dawson County

Growing Tips for Dawson 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 Dawson County, GA?

Dawson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dawson County, GA?

Dawson County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Escarole in Dawson County, GA?

In Dawson County, GA, plant Escarole after the last frost (around March 31) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dawson County, GA for Escarole?

Dawson 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 Dawson County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Dawson County's temperate climate. Dawson County averages a 217-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 31 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Dawson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dawson 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.

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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 Dawson County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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