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When to Plant Endive in Hancock County, WV

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.

Hancock County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 2,780 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Endive root diseases.

Hancock County, WV (Zone 6a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Hancock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Endive

Endive needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Endive Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 4.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 3.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 4.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 4.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 4.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Hancock County, WV

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ May 2
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 โ€“ Jul 18
Fall Sowing August 19 Aug 19 โ€“ Sep 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

45โ€“65 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

186 days in Hancock County

Growing Tips for Hancock 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive in Hancock County, WV?

Hancock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hancock County, WV?

Hancock County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 28.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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