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When to plant Escarole in Dent County, MO

The best window to plant Escarole in Dent County, is March 27–April 17, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 10; first frost October 27. A second sowing from August 18 to September 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Dent County, MO

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.

Dent County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 774 feet, Dent County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.

Dent County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Dent County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dent County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Escarole Planting Timeline — Dent County, MO

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Jul 3
Fall Sowing August 18 Aug 18 – Sep 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
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

200 days in Dent County

Growing Tips for Dent 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 Dent County, MO?

Dent County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dent County, MO?

Dent County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Escarole in Dent County, MO?

In Dent County, MO, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dent County, MO for Escarole?

Dent 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 Dent County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Dent County's temperate climate. Dent County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 27.

🌱

Your Dent County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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