When to plant Endive in Alpine County, CA
In Alpine County, plant Endive in spring between May 5 and May 26, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Alpine County's last frost averages May 19, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between July 25 and August 8 — roughly 45–65 days before the first frost on October 3.
When to Plant Endive in Alpine County, CA
July in the garden — Alpine County, California
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Alpine County, California this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Basket week: endive
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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Start your fall crops: endive
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- 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.
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
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.
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.
Endive 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.
When should I plant Endive in Alpine County, CA?
In Alpine County, CA, plant Endive after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Alpine County, CA for Endive?
Alpine County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Endive grow in Alpine County's climate?
Yes — Endive grows well in Alpine County's temperate climate. Alpine County averages a 137-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around October 3.
Your Alpine County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-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.