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When to Plant Escarole in Wayne 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.

Wayne County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 1,680 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.

Wayne County, TN (Zone 7b) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

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 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Escarole Planting Timeline — Wayne 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 17 Aug 17 – Aug 31

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

200 days in Wayne County

Growing Tips for Wayne 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 Wayne County, TN?

Wayne 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 Wayne County, TN?

Wayne County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.

🌱

Your Wayne County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wayne 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 Wayne 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.