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When to Plant Endive in Lassen County, CA

Endive is a leafy green with a slightly bitter flavor, available in curly (frisee) and broad-leaved (escarole) types. It adds texture and complexity to salads.

Lassen County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 124 days.

At an elevation of 1,854 feet, Lassen County receives approximately 43.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Lassen County, CA (Zone 6b) Short season
124 days
Last Spring Frost May 28
124 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Lassen County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (38 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 13 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Aug 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (40 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 23 Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Aug 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 15 Transplant: Jun 19 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Sep 11

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
1.5″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Endive needs ~715 GDD — county provides 1,612 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Lassen County, CA

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Transplant Outdoors May 28 May 28 โ€“ Jun 11
Direct Sow May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jun 4
Fall Sowing July 21 Jul 21 โ€“ Aug 4
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Aug 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

45โ€“65 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

124 days

Growing Tips for Lassen County

Sow seeds directly in spring or fall. Blanch heads by tying outer leaves together 2-3 weeks before harvest to reduce bitterness. Keep soil evenly moist.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive in Lassen County, CA?

Lassen County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 28. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lassen County, CA?

Lassen County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 28 and first fall frost is September 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lassen County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Lassen County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.