When to plant Escarole in Marshall County, IL
Marshall County gardeners should plant Escarole between April 7 and April 28 in spring. With Marshall County's Zone 5b climate (last frost April 21), Escarole needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by August 4 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Escarole in Marshall County, IL
Your July game plan for Marshall County, Illinois
July is a pivotal month for Marshall County, Illinois gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick escarole
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- Fall sowing: 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.
Marshall County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 1,177 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 30.4 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.
Marshall County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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 Marshall County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.8) is within Escarole's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marshall County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.2%) — 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 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 04.
Escarole 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marshall 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 — Marshall County, IL
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Marshall County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Marshall County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after April 21 in Marshall 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 Marshall County, IL?
Marshall County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marshall County, IL?
Marshall County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Escarole in Marshall County, IL?
In Marshall County, IL, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marshall County, IL for Escarole?
Marshall County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Escarole grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Escarole grow in Marshall County's climate?
Yes — Escarole grows well in Marshall County's temperate climate. Marshall County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 13.
Your Marshall County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marshall County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.