When to plant Escarole in Rush County, KS
Rush County's climate puts the Escarole spring window between April 10 and May 1. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 6 to August 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Escarole in Rush County, KS
This month in Rush County, Kansas
Your garden in Rush County, Kansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Collect escarole at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Rush County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 759 feet, Rush County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.
Rush County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.3
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 Rush County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.3) overlaps with Escarole's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rush County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Escarole.
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 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
Escarole Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rush 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 — Rush County, KS
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Rush County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Rush County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after April 24 in Rush 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.
Rush County receives only 22" of rain annually. Escarole needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Rush County, KS?
Rush County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rush County, KS?
Rush County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Escarole in Rush County, KS?
In Rush County, KS, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rush County, KS for Escarole?
Rush 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 Rush County's climate?
Yes — Escarole grows well in Rush County's temperate climate. Rush County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 15.
Your Rush County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rush 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.