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When to Plant Escarole in Delaware County, OH

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.

Delaware County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,281 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.

Delaware County, OH (Zone 6b) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Delaware County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.1

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Escarole Planting Timeline — Delaware County, OH

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Jul 18
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

179 days in Delaware County

Growing Tips for Delaware 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 Delaware County, OH?

Delaware County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Delaware County, OH?

Delaware County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 21.

🌱

Your Delaware County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Delaware 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 Delaware County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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