When to Plant Belgian Endive in Blair County, PA
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.
Blair County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 41 feet, Blair County receives approximately 43.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season.
Blair County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.8
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
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Blair County, PA
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Harvest | August 15 | Aug 15 – Oct 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| 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
177 days
Growing Tips for Blair 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 Blair County, PA?
Blair County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Blair County, PA?
Blair County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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