When to plant Escarole in Perry County, IN
In Perry County, plant Escarole in spring between March 29 and April 19, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Perry County's last frost averages April 12, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 11 and August 25 — roughly 50–70 days before the first frost on October 20.
When to Plant Escarole in Perry County, IN
This month in Perry County, Indiana
June is a pivotal month for Perry County, Indiana gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start harvesting escarole
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Perry County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 873 feet, Perry County receives approximately 31 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.
Perry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
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 Perry County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.0) is within Escarole's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Perry County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Escarole.
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 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Perry 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 — Perry 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 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Perry County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Perry County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after April 12 in Perry 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Escarole in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Escarole in Perry County, IN?
Perry County is in Zone 6b 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 Perry County, IN?
Perry County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Escarole in Perry County, IN?
In Perry County, IN, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Perry County, IN for Escarole?
Perry County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Escarole grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Escarole grow in Perry County's climate?
Yes — Escarole grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.
Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Perry County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.