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When to plant Escarole in Lewis County, KY

Aim to plant Escarole in Lewis County on or after April 9; the window stays open through April 30. Lewis County's 180-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Lewis County, KY

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.

Lewis County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 1,979 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.

Lewis County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Lewis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Escarole Planting Timeline — Lewis County, KY

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Jul 16
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors 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 Lewis County

Growing Tips for Lewis 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 Lewis County, KY?

Lewis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lewis County, KY?

Lewis County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Escarole in Lewis County, KY?

In Lewis County, KY, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lewis County, KY for Escarole?

Lewis 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 Lewis County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Lewis County's temperate climate. Lewis County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Lewis County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lewis 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 Lewis County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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