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When to Plant Endive in Kootenai 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.

Kootenai County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 5,986 feet, Kootenai County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Kootenai County, ID (Zone 6a) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Kootenai 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 (79 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Jul 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (78 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 25 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Jul 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (81 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 12 Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 9

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 802 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Endive needs ~798 GDD — county provides 2,349 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Kootenai County, ID

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ May 13
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 โ€“ May 6
Fall Sowing July 30 Jul 30 โ€“ Aug 13
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 โ€“ Jul 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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

162 days

Growing Tips for Kootenai 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 Kootenai County, ID?

Kootenai County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kootenai County, ID?

Kootenai County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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