When to Plant Escarole in Taylor County, TX
Your August planting checklist for Taylor County, Texas
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this August, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
September will be here before you know it — start on
- Fall sowing: escarole
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.
Taylor County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.
At an elevation of 2,238 feet, Taylor County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly 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.
Taylor County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Escarole Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Taylor County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.6) overlaps with Escarole's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Taylor County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Escarole.
How to Plant Escarole
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Escarole
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 08.
Escarole Water Budget
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Taylor County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Escarole Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Escarole Planting Timeline — Taylor 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 8 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
242 days in Taylor County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Taylor County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after March 20 in Taylor County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Escarole in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Taylor County, TX?
Taylor County is in Zone 8a 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 Taylor County, TX?
Taylor County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 17.
Your Taylor County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Taylor County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.