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When to Plant Endive in Benewah County, ID

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.

Benewah County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.

At an elevation of 6,081 feet, Benewah County receives approximately 20.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Benewah County, ID (Zone 6a) Short season
146 days
Last Spring Frost May 8
146 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Benewah County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 25 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Jul 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (62 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 3 Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Jul 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 2 Transplant: Jun 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Aug 29

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 626 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Endive needs ~962 GDD — county provides 2,555 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Benewah County, ID

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 17
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 22
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 15
Fall Sowing July 23 Jul 23 โ€“ Aug 6
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 โ€“ Jul 31

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 Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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 6a

Growing Season

146 days

Growing Tips for Benewah 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 Benewah County, ID?

Benewah County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benewah County, ID?

Benewah County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Benewah County gardeners in Zone 6a 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Benewah County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.