When to Plant Belgian Endive in Hot Spring 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.
Hot Spring County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 754 feet, Hot Spring County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season.
Hot Spring County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
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 — Hot Spring County, AR
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 |
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 |
| 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 7b
Growing Season
231 days
Growing Tips for Hot Spring 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 Hot Spring County, AR?
Hot Spring County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hot Spring County, AR?
Hot Spring County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hot Spring County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.