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When to Plant Endive in Wasatch County, UT

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.

Wasatch County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.

At an elevation of 8,190 feet, Wasatch County receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Endive successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Wasatch County, UT (Zone 5a) Short season
130 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
130 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Wasatch County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Jul 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Aug 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 15 Transplant: Jun 19 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Sep 11

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.

Soil Compatibility in Wasatch County

How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.6โ€“7.6) is more alkaline than Endive prefers (5.5โ€“7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Wasatch County is excellent for Endive โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Endive.

How to Plant Endive

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Endive

3
successive plantings in your 130-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 23 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 18.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.7″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 227 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Endive

Endive needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Endive Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 3" 2.1" 0.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 3" 1.2" 1.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 3" 1.2" 1.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 3" 1.7" 1.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 3" 1.2" 1.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Wasatch County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Endive Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Endive needs ~798 GDD — county provides 1,885 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Wasatch County, UT

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 14 Apr 14 โ€“ Apr 28
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 26
Harvest July 7 Jul 7 โ€“ Aug 11
Fall Sowing July 18 Jul 18 โ€“ Aug 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

0.7"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

45โ€“65 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

130 days in Wasatch County

Growing Tips for Endive in Wasatch County

Direct sow Endive outdoors after May 19 in Wasatch County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Endive in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive in Wasatch County, UT?

Wasatch County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wasatch County, UT?

Wasatch County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wasatch County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Wasatch County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.