When to Plant Escarole in Franklin 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.
Franklin County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 2,408 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 50.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Escarole Planting Timeline — Franklin County, TN
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
198 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Escarole in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Escarole in Franklin County, TN?
Franklin County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, TN?
Franklin County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin 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.