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When to Plant Escarole in Coffee County, TN

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.

Coffee County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 1,710 feet, Coffee County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.

Coffee County, TN (Zone 7b) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Coffee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.8

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 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Escarole Planting Timeline — Coffee County, TN

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 21
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 – Apr 25
Direct Sow March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 18
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Jul 4
Fall Sowing August 14 Aug 14 – Aug 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
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 7b

📆 Growing Season

195 days in Coffee County

Growing Tips for Coffee 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 Coffee County, TN?

Coffee County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Coffee County, TN?

Coffee County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 23.

🌱

Your Coffee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Coffee County (Zone 7b). 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 Coffee County, TN. 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.