When to Plant Belgian Endive in Cleburne County, AR
Belgian endive is produced by forcing chicory roots in darkness to create tight, pale, torpedo-shaped heads called chicons. They have a mild bitterness and elegant crunch.
Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.
At an elevation of 1,207 feet, Cleburne County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season.
Cleburne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Cleburne County, AR
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
110–150 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
219 days
Growing Tips for Cleburne County
Grow chicory roots in the garden during summer, then dig in fall. Trim tops and force roots in moist sand in a dark cellar at 50-60F. Chicons emerge in 3-4 weeks.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Belgian Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Cleburne County, AR?
Cleburne County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cleburne County, AR?
Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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