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When to Plant Escarole in Lincoln County, NV

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.

Lincoln County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 5,852 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 11.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Escarole may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Escarole will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Escarole successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Lincoln County, NV (Zone 6b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Lincoln County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Jul 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (85 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 13 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Aug 10

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 Lincoln County

How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (7.0โ€“8.8) is more alkaline than Escarole prefers (5.5โ€“7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Lincoln County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Escarole will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Escarole.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Escarole.

How to Plant Escarole

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Escarole

4
successive plantings in your 180-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.3″/week
You supply
1.2″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,983 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.3" 4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1" 3.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 0.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Lincoln County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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 needs ~1,275 GDD — county provides 3,825 GDD Excellent fit

Escarole Planting Timeline โ€” Lincoln County, NV

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 3
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 26
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 โ€“ Jul 12
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 โ€“ Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 2-3 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

180 days in Lincoln County

Growing Tips for Escarole in Lincoln County

Direct sow Escarole outdoors after April 19 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Lincoln County dries quickly โ€” mulch Escarole with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

Common pests for Escarole in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

Lincoln County receives only 12" of rain annually. Escarole needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Escarole in Lincoln County, NV?

Lincoln County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lincoln County, NV?

Lincoln County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lincoln County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Lincoln County, NV. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.