When to Plant Endive in Ouachita County, AR
Your May game plan for Ouachita County, Arkansas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Ouachita County, Arkansas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Pick endive
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: endive
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.
Ouachita County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.
At an elevation of 591 feet, Ouachita County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Endive may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Ouachita County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 Ouachita County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) overlaps with Endive's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ouachita County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Endive.
How to Plant Endive
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Endive
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Endive
Endive needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Endive Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ouachita County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
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.
Endive Planting Timeline — Ouachita County, AR
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 | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
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 | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
225 days in Ouachita County
Growing Tips for Endive in Ouachita County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after March 23 in Ouachita County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 225.0-day season in Ouachita County allows multiple plantings of Endive. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Endive in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Endive in Ouachita County, AR?
Ouachita County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ouachita County, AR?
Ouachita County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Ouachita County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ouachita 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.