When to Plant Belgian Endive in Lewis County, ID
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.
Lewis County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 4,861 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 13.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Belgian Endive successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lewis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Lewis County, ID
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Harvest | September 9 | Sep 9 – Nov 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
126 days
Growing Tips for Lewis 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 Lewis County, ID?
Lewis County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lewis County, ID?
Lewis County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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