When to plant Escarole in Clinton County, MO
For Clinton County, gardeners: plant Escarole March 30 through April 20 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Escarole in Clinton County, MO
August in the garden — Clinton County, Missouri
Welcome to August in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Get escarole in for a late-season harvest
Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.
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.
Clinton County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 525 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 36.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall.
Clinton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 Clinton County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Escarole's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clinton County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clinton 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 — Clinton County, MO
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Clinton County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Clinton County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after April 13 in Clinton 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 Clinton County, MO?
Clinton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clinton County, MO?
Clinton County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Escarole in Clinton County, MO?
In Clinton County, MO, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clinton County, MO for Escarole?
Clinton County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Escarole grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Escarole grow in Clinton County's climate?
Yes — Escarole grows well in Clinton County's temperate climate. Clinton County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 25.
Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.