Blog

When to Plant Endive in Gloucester County, NJ

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.

Gloucester County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

At an elevation of 735 feet, Gloucester County receives approximately 49.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Gloucester County, NJ (Zone 7a) Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Gloucester County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (138 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: May 12 – Jun 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (137 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Jun 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (137 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Jul 21

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
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 102 gal / 100 sq ft
Endive needs ~1,128 GDD — county provides 4,530 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Gloucester County, NJ

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 1 Mar 1 โ€“ Mar 15
Transplant Outdoors April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 19
Direct Sow March 22 Mar 22 โ€“ Apr 12
Fall Sowing September 3 Sep 3 โ€“ Sep 17
Harvest May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 28

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
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 7a

Growing Season

221 days

Growing Tips for Gloucester 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 Gloucester County, NJ?

Gloucester County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gloucester County, NJ?

Gloucester County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is November 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Gloucester County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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