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When to plant Escarole in Harrison County, MO

Plant Escarole in Harrison County after April 19; the prime window is April 5–April 26. A second sowing from August 6 to August 20 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Harrison 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.

Harrison County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,349 feet, Harrison County receives approximately 37.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall.

Harrison County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Harrison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.9

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Escarole Planting Timeline — Harrison County, MO

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 26
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Jul 12
Fall Sowing August 6 Aug 6 – Aug 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

179 days in Harrison County

Growing Tips for Harrison 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 Harrison County, MO?

Harrison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Harrison County, MO?

Harrison County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 15.

When should I plant Escarole in Harrison County, MO?

In Harrison County, MO, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Harrison County, MO for Escarole?

Harrison County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Escarole grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Escarole grow in Harrison County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Harrison County's temperate climate. Harrison County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 15.

🌱

Your Harrison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Harrison County (Zone 5b). 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 Harrison County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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