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When to plant Endive in Macon County, AL

Endive planted in Macon County between March 11 and April 1 matures in 45–65 days — well before the November 6 first frost. A second sowing from August 28 to September 11 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Macon County, AL

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, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 226 days.

At an elevation of 450 feet, Macon County receives approximately 60 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Endive may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Endive, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Endive root diseases.

Macon County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
226 days
Last Spring Frost March 25
226 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Macon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Endive Planting Timeline — Macon County, AL

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Direct Sow March 11 Mar 11 – Apr 1
Harvest May 13 May 13 – Jun 17
Fall Sowing August 28 Aug 28 – Sep 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

226 days in Macon County

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive in Macon County, AL?

Macon County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macon County, AL?

Macon County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 6.

When should I plant Endive in Macon County, AL?

In Macon County, AL, plant Endive after the last frost (around March 25) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Macon County, AL for Endive?

Macon County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Endive grow in Macon County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Macon County's temperate climate. Macon County averages a 226-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 25 and first frost around November 6.

🌱

Your Macon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Macon County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Macon County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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