When to Plant Endive in Dearborn County, IN
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.
Dearborn County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 1,290 feet, Dearborn County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.
Dearborn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Endive Planting Timeline — Dearborn County, IN
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
45–65 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
187 days
Growing Tips for Dearborn 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
Level Up Your Garden
Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Endive in Dearborn County, IN?
Dearborn County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dearborn County, IN?
Dearborn County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Dearborn County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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