Blog

When to plant Escarole in Clay County, IN

For Clay County, gardeners: plant Escarole April 4 through April 25 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Clay County, IN

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.

Clay County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 886 feet, Clay County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.

Clay County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Clay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Escarole Planting Timeline — Clay County, IN

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 – Jul 11
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

182 days in Clay County

Growing Tips for Clay 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 Clay County, IN?

Clay County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clay County, IN?

Clay County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Escarole in Clay County, IN?

In Clay County, IN, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clay County, IN for Escarole?

Clay 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 Clay County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clay 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Clay County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.