When to Plant Belgian Endive in Coconino County, AZ
Coconino County, Arizona gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Time to transplant belgian endive
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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Direct-sow belgian endive
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
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.
Coconino County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.
At an elevation of 7,869 feet, Coconino County receives approximately 13.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Belgian Endive may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Belgian Endive will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Belgian Endive successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Coconino County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Coconino County
How your county's soil matches Belgian Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.6) is more alkaline than Belgian Endive prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Coconino County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Belgian Endive will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Belgian Endive.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Belgian Endive.
How to Plant Belgian Endive
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Belgian Endive
Belgian 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 | Belgian Endive Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Coconino County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Belgian 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" — every day above 50°F 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.
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Coconino County, AZ
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
| Direct Sow | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | September 17 | Sep 17 – Nov 12 |
| Fall Sowing | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
110–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
122 days in Coconino County
Growing Tips for Belgian Endive in Coconino County
Direct sow Belgian Endive outdoors after May 28 in Coconino County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Coconino County dries quickly — mulch Belgian Endive with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Coconino County, provide afternoon shade for Belgian Endive and water deeply in the morning.
Your 122.0-day growing season in Coconino County is tight for Belgian Endive (110.0-150.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Belgian Endive in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Coconino County, AZ?
Coconino County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 28. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coconino County, AZ?
Coconino County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Coconino County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Coconino County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.