When to Plant Endive in Comox Valley, BC
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.
Comox Valley, British Columbia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.
At an elevation of 59 feet, Comox Valley receives approximately 53.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly podzolic loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Endive root diseases.
Comox Valley Soil Profile
Soil Type
Podzolic Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Endive 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.
How to Plant Endive
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Endive 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Comox Valley). 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 — Comox Valley, BC
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Direct Sow | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 31 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 16 |
| 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 | 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: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
227 days in Comox Valley
Growing Tips for Endive in Comox Valley
Your generous 227.0-day season in Comox Valley 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Endive in Comox Valley, BC?
Comox Valley is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Comox Valley, BC?
Comox Valley, British Columbia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Comox Valley Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Comox Valley (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.