When to plant Escarole in Mahnomen County, MN
Aim to plant Escarole in Mahnomen County on or after May 6; the window stays open through May 27. Mahnomen County's 137-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from July 5 to July 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Escarole in Mahnomen County, MN
June to-do list for Mahnomen County, Minnesota
Here's what deserves your attention in Mahnomen County, Minnesota this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 4a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: escarole
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Mahnomen County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 1,223 feet, Mahnomen County receives approximately 33.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall.
Mahnomen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Mahnomen County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) is within Escarole's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mahnomen County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Escarole.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Escarole will thrive.
How to Plant Escarole
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Escarole
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 05.
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Mahnomen 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 — Mahnomen County, MN
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 5 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Mahnomen County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Mahnomen County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after May 13 in Mahnomen 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 Mahnomen County, MN?
Mahnomen County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mahnomen County, MN?
Mahnomen County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.
When should I plant Escarole in Mahnomen County, MN?
In Mahnomen County, MN, plant Escarole after the last frost (around May 13) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mahnomen County, MN for Escarole?
Mahnomen County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Escarole grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Escarole grow in Mahnomen County's climate?
Yes — Escarole grows well in Mahnomen County's temperate climate. Mahnomen County averages a 137-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 13 and first frost around September 27.
Your Mahnomen County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mahnomen County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.