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When to Plant Endive in Butler County, MO

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.

Butler County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 703 feet, Butler County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Butler County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Butler County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Endive

Endive needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Endive Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Butler County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Endive Planting Timeline β€” Butler County, MO

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 10
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 – Apr 3
Harvest May 15 May 15 – Jun 19
Fall Sowing August 24 Aug 24 – Sep 7

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 6" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July β€”
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

45–65 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

πŸ“† Growing Season

220 days in Butler County

Growing Tips for Butler 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive in Butler County, MO?

Butler County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Butler County, MO?

Butler County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Butler County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Butler County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.