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When to Plant Belgian Endive in Lincoln County, OK

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.

Lincoln County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.

At an elevation of 853 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 22.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season.

Lincoln County, OK (Zone 7a) Long season
210 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
210 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Lincoln County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 27 – Sep 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Aug 8 – Oct 3

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
1.0″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,915 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Belgian Endive needs ~2,470 GDD — county provides 3,990 GDD Excellent fit

Belgian Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Lincoln County, OK

Belgian Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 2 Mar 2 โ€“ Mar 16
Transplant Outdoors April 6 Apr 6 โ€“ Apr 20
Direct Sow March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 13
Fall Sowing August 24 Aug 24 โ€“ Sep 7
Harvest July 27 Jul 27 โ€“ Sep 21

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

110โ€“150 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

210 days

Growing Tips for Lincoln 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Belgian Endive in Lincoln County, OK?

Lincoln County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lincoln County, OK?

Lincoln County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 2.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lincoln County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Lincoln County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.