When to plant Escarole in Randolph County County,
The best window to plant Escarole in Randolph County County, is March 28–April 18, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 11; first frost October 20. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Escarole in Randolph County, IL
What to do in June
Welcome to June in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Collect escarole at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Randolph County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 501 feet, Randolph County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.
Randolph County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Randolph County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) is within Escarole's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Randolph County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — 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 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Randolph 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 — Randolph County, IL
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Jul 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Randolph County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Randolph County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after April 11 in Randolph 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 Randolph County, IL?
Randolph County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Randolph County, IL?
Randolph County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Escarole in Randolph County, ?
In Randolph County, , plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Randolph County, for Escarole?
Randolph County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Escarole grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Escarole grow in Randolph County's climate?
Yes — Escarole grows well in Randolph County's temperate climate. Randolph County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 20.
Your Randolph County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Randolph County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.