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When to Plant Endive in Jasper 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.

Jasper County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 1,048 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Jasper County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Jasper County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (78 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Jul 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (74 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jun 20 – Jul 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 10 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Aug 7

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Endive needs ~756 GDD — county provides 2,172 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Jasper County, IA

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 11
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 9
Fall Sowing July 29 Jul 29 โ€“ Aug 12
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 โ€“ Jul 25

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 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 5a

Growing Season

158 days

Growing Tips for Jasper 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 Jasper County, IA?

Jasper County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jasper County, IA?

Jasper County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jasper County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.