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When to plant Escarole in Putnam County, MO

In Zone 5b (Putnam County), direct-sow Escarole between April 4 and April 25 for spring, after the April 18 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Escarole in Putnam 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.

Putnam County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 1,185 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 40.1 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.

Putnam County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Putnam County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Escarole Planting Timeline — Putnam County, MO

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 – Jul 11
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

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

181 days in Putnam County

Growing Tips for Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO?

Putnam County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Putnam County, MO?

Putnam County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Escarole in Putnam County, MO?

In Putnam County, MO, plant Escarole after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Putnam County, MO for Escarole?

Putnam 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 Putnam County's climate?

Yes — Escarole grows well in Putnam County's temperate climate. Putnam County averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

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

Sources & credits

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