When to Plant Belgian Endive in Sheboygan County, WI
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.
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 710 feet, Sheboygan County receives approximately 30.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Belgian Endive to ensure they mature before fall.
Sheboygan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Sheboygan County, WI
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | August 17 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 |
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 5a
Growing Season
173 days
Growing Tips for Sheboygan 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 Sheboygan County, WI?
Sheboygan County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sheboygan County, WI?
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sheboygan County gardeners in Zone 5a 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.