When to Plant Endive in Benton County, IA
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.
Benton County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,230 feet, Benton County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 — Benton County, IA
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
164 days
Growing Tips for Benton 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 Benton County, IA?
Benton County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, IA?
Benton County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Benton County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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