When to Plant Endive in Alpine County, CA
Alpine County, California gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Plant out endive
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Direct-sow endive
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: 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.
Alpine County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Alpine County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.
Alpine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.3
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 Alpine County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.3) overlaps with Endive's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Alpine County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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 Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 25.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 7.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 8.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 1" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 0" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 0" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 0.3" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.6" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Alpine 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 — Alpine County, CA
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 11 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Alpine County
Growing Tips for Endive in Alpine County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after May 19 in Alpine County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Alpine County, CA?
Alpine County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alpine County, CA?
Alpine County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Alpine County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Alpine County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.