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When to Plant Endive in Michigan

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.

Michigan spans USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Endive planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Endive Planting Calendar for Michigan

Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 – Jul 29
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 – May 15
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Jul 24
Fall Sowing July 11 Jul 11 – Jul 25
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 – Jul 18
Fall Sowing July 30 Jul 30 – Aug 13
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Jul 11
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest May 29 May 29 – Jul 3
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

Growing Tips for Michigan

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive in Michigan?

Planting dates for Endive in Michigan depend on your USDA zone. Michigan spans zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Michigan for planting?

Michigan contains USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.