When to plant Escarole in Fayette County, IA
In Fayette County, plant Escarole in spring between April 21 and May 12, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Fayette County's last frost averages May 5, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between July 27 and August 10 — roughly 50–70 days before the first frost on October 5.
When to Plant Escarole in Fayette County, IA
This month in Fayette County, Iowa
Welcome to June in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Start escarole indoors
You're about 14 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Pick escarole
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Fayette County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 1,228 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall.
Fayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
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 Fayette County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) is within Escarole's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Fayette County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — 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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 27.
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Fayette 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 — Fayette County, IA
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
153 days in Fayette County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Fayette County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after May 05 in Fayette 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 Fayette County, IA?
Fayette County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fayette County, IA?
Fayette County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Escarole in Fayette County, IA?
In Fayette County, IA, plant Escarole after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fayette County, IA for Escarole?
Fayette 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 Fayette County's climate?
Yes — Escarole grows well in Fayette County's temperate climate. Fayette County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 5.
Your Fayette County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fayette 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.