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When to Plant Endive in Loudon County, TN

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.

Loudon County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 2,724 feet, Loudon County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Loudon County, TN (Zone 7a) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Loudon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (114 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jun 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (115 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (106 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Jul 23

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 ~1,128 GDD — county provides 4,079 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Loudon County, TN

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 โ€“ Apr 24
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 17
Fall Sowing August 17 Aug 17 โ€“ Aug 31
Harvest May 29 May 29 โ€“ Jul 3

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 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 7a

Growing Season

199 days

Growing Tips for Loudon 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 Loudon County, TN?

Loudon County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Loudon County, TN?

Loudon County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Loudon County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Loudon County, TN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.