When to plant Escarole in Johnson County, IN
The best window to plant Escarole in Johnson County, is March 29–April 19, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 12; first frost October 22. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Escarole in Johnson County, IN
Your August gardening checklist
Welcome to August in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Direct-sow escarole for cool weather
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
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.
Johnson County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,324 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 36.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 Johnson County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Escarole's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Johnson County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 13.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Johnson 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 — Johnson County, IN
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Johnson County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after April 12 in Johnson 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 Johnson County, IN?
Johnson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, IN?
Johnson County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Escarole in Johnson County, IN?
In Johnson County, IN, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Johnson County, IN for Escarole?
Johnson 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 Johnson County's climate?
Yes — Escarole grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 22.
Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson 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.