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When to Plant Endive in Minidoka 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.

Minidoka County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.

At an elevation of 5,990 feet, Minidoka County receives approximately 22.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Minidoka County, ID (Zone 5b) Short season
146 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
146 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Minidoka County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (64 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Jul 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (62 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 5 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (54 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
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 559 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 2,117 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Minidoka County, ID

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 19
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 โ€“ May 24
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 17
Fall Sowing July 25 Jul 25 โ€“ Aug 8
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Aug 2

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 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

146 days

Growing Tips for Minidoka 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 Minidoka County, ID?

Minidoka County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Minidoka County, ID?

Minidoka County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Minidoka County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Minidoka County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.