Blog

When to Plant Endive in Macon 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.

Macon County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 2,524 feet, Macon County receives approximately 47.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Macon County, TN (Zone 6b) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Macon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (115 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Jun 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (119 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 17 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Jul 14

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
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 28 gal / 100 sq ft
Endive needs ~839 GDD — county provides 3,065 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Macon 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 19 Aug 19 โ€“ Sep 2
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 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 6b

Growing Season

201 days

Growing Tips for Macon 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 Macon County, TN?

Macon County is in Zone 6b 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 Macon County, TN?

Macon County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 28.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Macon 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 Macon County, TN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.