Blog

When to Plant Escarole in Van Wert 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.

Van Wert County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 1,085 feet, Van Wert County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall.

Van Wert County, OH (Zone 5b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Van Wert County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.2

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 โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 5.2" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Van Wert County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Escarole Planting Timeline โ€” Van Wert County, OH

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ May 2
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 โ€“ Jul 18
Fall Sowing August 13 Aug 13 โ€“ Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

180 days in Van Wert County

Growing Tips for Van Wert 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 Van Wert County, OH?

Van Wert County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Van Wert County, OH?

Van Wert County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Van Wert County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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