When to plant Belgian Endive in Pickens County, AL
Plant Belgian Endive in Pickens County from March 9 to March 30 in spring. Pickens County sits in USDA Zone 8a, with last frost around March 23 and first frost on November 6. A second sowing from August 28 to September 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Belgian Endive in Pickens County, AL
Belgian endive is produced by forcing chicory roots in darkness to create tight, pale, torpedo-shaped heads called chicons. They have a mild bitterness and elegant crunch.
Pickens County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 442 feet, Pickens County receives approximately 58.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Belgian Endive, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Belgian Endive root diseases.
Pickens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Pickens County, AL
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
110–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Pickens County
Growing Tips for Pickens County
Grow chicory roots in the garden during summer, then dig in fall. Trim tops and force roots in moist sand in a dark cellar at 50-60F. Chicons emerge in 3-4 weeks.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Belgian Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Pickens County, AL?
Pickens County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pickens County, AL?
Pickens County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Pickens County, AL?
In Pickens County, AL, plant Belgian Endive after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pickens County, AL for Belgian Endive?
Pickens County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Belgian Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Belgian Endive grow in Pickens County's climate?
Yes — Belgian Endive grows well in Pickens County's temperate climate. Pickens County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 6.
Your Pickens County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pickens County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.