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When to plant Escarole in Morton County, KS

The best window to plant Escarole in Morton County, is April 6–April 27, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 20; first frost October 17. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Morton County, KS

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.

Morton County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 1,054 feet, Morton County receives approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.

Morton County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Morton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

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 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Morton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Escarole Planting Timeline — Morton County, KS

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Jul 13
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

180 days in Morton County

Growing Tips for Morton 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 Morton County, KS?

Morton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Morton County, KS?

Morton County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Escarole in Morton County, KS?

In Morton County, KS, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Morton County, KS for Escarole?

Morton 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 Morton County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Morton County's temperate climate. Morton County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Morton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Morton 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.

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

Sources & credits

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