When to Plant Endive in St. Martin Parish, LA
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.
St. Martin Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.
At an elevation of 417 feet, St. Martin Parish receives approximately 55.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Endive may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Endive will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Endive root diseases.
St. Martin Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6
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.
Soil Compatibility in St. Martin Parish
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.0) overlaps with Endive's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Martin Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Endive will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Endive.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Endive.
How to Plant Endive
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Endive
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 10.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Endive
Endive needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Endive Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Martin Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Endive Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Endive Planting Timeline — St. Martin Parish, LA
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | April 3 | Apr 3 – May 8 |
| Fall Sowing | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
295 days in St. Martin Parish
Growing Tips for Endive in St. Martin Parish
Direct sow Endive outdoors after February 13 in St. Martin Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Martin Parish dries quickly — mulch Endive with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in St. Martin Parish, provide afternoon shade for Endive and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 296.0-day season in St. Martin Parish allows multiple plantings of Endive. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Endive in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Endive in St. Martin Parish, LA?
St. Martin Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Martin Parish, LA?
St. Martin Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 5.
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