When to plant Escarole in Allamakee County, IA
In Allamakee County, plant Escarole in spring between April 18 and May 9, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Allamakee County's last frost averages May 2, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between July 29 and August 12 — roughly 50–70 days before the first frost on October 7.
When to Plant Escarole in Allamakee County, IA
Your June planting checklist for Allamakee County, Iowa
A quick June briefing for Allamakee County, Iowa gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Begin indoor sowing: escarole
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
-
It's harvest week for escarole
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: escarole
- 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.
Allamakee County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 804 feet, Allamakee County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall.
Allamakee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
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 Allamakee County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.1) overlaps with Escarole's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Allamakee County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — 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 Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Allamakee 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 — Allamakee County, IA
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Allamakee County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Allamakee County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after May 02 in Allamakee 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 Allamakee County, IA?
Allamakee County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Allamakee County, IA?
Allamakee County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Escarole in Allamakee County, IA?
In Allamakee County, IA, plant Escarole after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Allamakee County, IA for Escarole?
Allamakee County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Escarole grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Escarole grow in Allamakee County's climate?
Yes — Escarole grows well in Allamakee County's temperate climate. Allamakee County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.
Your Allamakee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Allamakee County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.