Blog

When to Plant Escarole in Chenango County, NY

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.

Chenango County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.

At an elevation of 841 feet, Chenango County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.

Chenango County, NY (Zone 5b) Short season
148 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
148 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7
Share this guide:

Chenango County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.8

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 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Escarole Planting Timeline — Chenango County, NY

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 – May 26
Direct Sow April 28 Apr 28 – May 19
Harvest July 7 Jul 7 – Aug 4
Fall Sowing July 29 Jul 29 – Aug 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
November
December
Share this guide:

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

148 days in Chenango County

Growing Tips for Chenango 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 Chenango County, NY?

Chenango County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chenango County, NY?

Chenango County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 7.

🌱

Your Chenango County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Chenango 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Chenango County, NY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.