When to Plant Belgian Endive in Lander County, NV
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.
Lander County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 118 days.
At an elevation of 6,987 feet, Lander County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Belgian Endive will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Belgian Endive successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lander County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.4
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 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Lander County, NV
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Direct Sow | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Harvest | September 16 | Sep 16 – Nov 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
118 days
Growing Tips for Lander 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 Lander County, NV?
Lander County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 27. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lander County, NV?
Lander County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lander County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.