When to plant Escarole in Henderson County, IL
Plant Escarole in Henderson County from April 3 to April 24 in spring. Henderson County sits in USDA Zone 6a, with last frost around April 17 and first frost on October 17. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Escarole in Henderson County, IL
Your June gardening checklist
A quick June briefing for Henderson County, Illinois gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Bring in the escarole
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: 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.
Henderson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Henderson County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall.
Henderson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Escarole 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 Henderson County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.3) overlaps with Escarole's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Henderson County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Escarole will thrive.
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 Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
Escarole Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Henderson 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 — Henderson County, IL
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Henderson County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Henderson County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after April 17 in Henderson 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.
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 Henderson County, IL?
Henderson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Henderson County, IL?
Henderson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Escarole in Henderson County, IL?
In Henderson County, IL, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Henderson County, IL for Escarole?
Henderson County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Escarole grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Escarole grow in Henderson County's climate?
Yes — Escarole grows well in Henderson County's temperate climate. Henderson County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.
Your Henderson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Henderson County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.