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When to Plant Endive in Boise 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.

Boise County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.

At an elevation of 8,023 feet, Boise County receives approximately 24.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Boise County, ID (Zone 5b) Short season
132 days
Last Spring Frost May 18
132 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Boise County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 31 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Jul 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 13 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Aug 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 12 Transplant: Jun 16 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Sep 8

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 320 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Endive needs ~798 GDD — county provides 1,914 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Boise County, ID

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ Apr 27
Transplant Outdoors May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jun 1
Direct Sow May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 25
Fall Sowing July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Aug 2
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 โ€“ Aug 10

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors
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 5b

Growing Season

132 days

Growing Tips for Boise 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 Boise County, ID?

Boise County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boise County, ID?

Boise County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 27.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Boise County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Boise County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.