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When to Plant Belgian Endive in Butts County, GA

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.

Butts County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.

At an elevation of 178 feet, Butts County receives approximately 49 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89Β°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Belgian Endive, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Butts County, GA (Zone 7b) Long season
232 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
232 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Butts County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Belgian Endive

Belgian Endive needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Belgian Endive Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.3" 1" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Belgian Endive Planting Timeline β€” Butts County, GA

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
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 – Sep 7
Fall Sowing September 1 Sep 1 – Sep 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May β€”
June β€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Fall Sowing Harvest
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

110–150 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

232 days in Butts County

Growing Tips for Butts 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Belgian Endive in Butts County, GA?

Butts County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Butts County, GA?

Butts County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Butts County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Butts County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.