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When to Plant Escarole in Midland County, TX

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.

Midland County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.

At an elevation of 1,546 feet, Midland County receives approximately 52.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Escarole may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Escarole will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Escarole root diseases.

Midland County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
239 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
239 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Midland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.4-8.6

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 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 8.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 10.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Escarole Planting Timeline — Midland County, TX

Escarole Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Direct Sow March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 27
Harvest May 15 May 15 – Jun 12
Fall Sowing September 5 Sep 5 – Sep 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
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

239 days in Midland County

Growing Tips for Midland 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 Midland County, TX?

Midland County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Midland County, TX?

Midland County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 14.

🌱

Your Midland County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Midland 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 Midland County, TX. 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.