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When to Plant Endive in Nicholas 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.

Nicholas County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 2,348 feet, Nicholas County receives approximately 46.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Nicholas County, WV (Zone 6a) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Nicholas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

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€” 4.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 3.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 4.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 3.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 3.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Nicholas County, WV

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 30 Mar 30 โ€“ Apr 13
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 11
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Jul 27
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 โ€“ Aug 22

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 Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
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

166 days in Nicholas County

Growing Tips for Nicholas 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 Nicholas County, WV?

Nicholas County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nicholas County, WV?

Nicholas County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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