When to Plant Escarole in Anne Arundel County, MD
Your May game plan for Anne Arundel County, Maryland
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Anne Arundel County, Maryland this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start escarole indoors
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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It's harvest week for escarole
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Anne Arundel County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.
At an elevation of 435 feet, Anne Arundel County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.
Anne Arundel County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Anne Arundel County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) is within Escarole's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Anne Arundel County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.
Plant 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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Anne Arundel 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 — Anne Arundel County, MD
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
214 days in Anne Arundel County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Anne Arundel County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after April 03 in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County, MD?
Anne Arundel County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Anne Arundel County, MD?
Anne Arundel County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Anne Arundel County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Anne Arundel County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.