When to Plant Escarole in Bolivar County, MS
May to-do list for Bolivar County, Mississippi
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Bolivar County, Mississippi.
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Start harvesting escarole
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Bolivar County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 299 feet, Bolivar County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Escarole may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Escarole, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Escarole root diseases.
Bolivar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
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 Bolivar County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.6) is within Escarole's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Bolivar County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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 Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bolivar 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 — Bolivar County, MS
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jun 4 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Bolivar County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Bolivar County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after March 12 in Bolivar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Bolivar County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Escarole. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Bolivar County, provide afternoon shade for Escarole and water deeply in the morning.
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
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Escarole in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Escarole in Bolivar County, MS?
Bolivar County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bolivar County, MS?
Bolivar County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Bolivar County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bolivar County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.