When to Plant Endive in Mahaska 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.
Mahaska County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 511 feet, Mahaska County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.
Mahaska County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.3
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 — Mahaska County, IA
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 |
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
165 days
Growing Tips for Mahaska 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 Mahaska County, IA?
Mahaska County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mahaska County, IA?
Mahaska County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mahaska County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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