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When to Plant Endive in Roane 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.

Roane County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.

At an elevation of 3,597 feet, Roane County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Endive root diseases.

Roane County, TN (Zone 7a) Long season
202 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
202 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Roane County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (119 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jun 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jul 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (120 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Jul 16

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Endive needs ~1,045 GDD — county provides 3,838 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Roane County, TN

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 16
Fall Sowing August 19 Aug 19 โ€“ Sep 2
Harvest May 28 May 28 โ€“ Jul 2

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 7a

Growing Season

202 days

Growing Tips for Roane 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 Roane County, TN?

Roane County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Roane County, TN?

Roane County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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