When to Plant Belgian Endive in Scott County, MO
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.
Scott County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 880 feet, Scott County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Scott County
How your county's soil matches Belgian Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) is within Belgian Endive's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Scott County is excellent for Belgian Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Belgian Endive.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Belgian Endive.
How to Plant Belgian Endive
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Scott County, MO
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
110–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Belgian Endive in Scott County
Direct sow Belgian Endive outdoors after April 09 in Scott County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Belgian Endive in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Scott County, MO?
Scott County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, MO?
Scott County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Scott County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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