Blog

When to Plant Endive in Lebanon County, PA

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.

Lebanon County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.

At an elevation of 522 feet, Lebanon County receives approximately 44.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Lebanon County, PA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
184 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
184 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Lebanon 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 (103 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (100 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 17 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Jul 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (93 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 4 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 1

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Endive needs ~880 GDD — county provides 2,944 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Lebanon County, PA

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 17 Mar 17 โ€“ Mar 31
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 โ€“ May 5
Direct Sow April 7 Apr 7 โ€“ Apr 28
Fall Sowing August 13 Aug 13 โ€“ Aug 27
Harvest June 9 Jun 9 โ€“ Jul 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
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 6b

Growing Season

184 days

Growing Tips for Lebanon 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 Lebanon County, PA?

Lebanon County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lebanon County, PA?

Lebanon County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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