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When to Plant Escarole in Douglas County, OR

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.

Douglas County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.

At an elevation of 377 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Escarole root diseases.

Douglas County, OR (Zone 8b) Long season
215 days
Last Spring Frost April 4
215 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Douglas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.4

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 8.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 6.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 7.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Escarole Planting Timeline — Douglas County, OR

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 11
Harvest May 30 May 30 – Jun 27
Fall Sowing August 27 Aug 27 – Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

215 days in Douglas County

Growing Tips for Douglas 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 Douglas County, OR?

Douglas County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Douglas County, OR?

Douglas County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 5.

🌱

Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 8b). 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 Douglas County, OR. 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.