When to Plant Escarole in Warren County, VA
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.
Warren County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 665 feet, Warren County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Escarole during the growing season.
Warren County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Warren County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Escarole Planting Timeline — Warren County, VA
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Warren County
Growing Tips for Warren 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 Warren County, VA?
Warren County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Warren County, VA?
Warren County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Warren County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Warren County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.