When to plant Endive in Applegate, CA
Plant Endive in Applegate after April 22; the prime window is April 1–April 22. A second sowing from September 14 to September 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Endive in Applegate, CA
Your July game plan for Placer County, California
A quick July briefing for Placer County, California gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
It's harvest week for endive
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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.
Applegate, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 651 feet, Placer County receives approximately 25.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.
Applegate Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.2
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 Applegate
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.2) overlaps with Endive's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Placer County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Endive.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Endive.
How to Plant Endive
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Endive
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 14.
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 | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 0.7" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.1" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 0" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 0" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 0.2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.1" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Placer 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 — Applegate, CA
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 15 |
| Fall Sowing | September 14 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Placer County
Growing Tips for Endive in Applegate
Direct sow Endive outdoors after April 22 in Placer County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 201.0-day season in Placer 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
When should I plant Endive in Applegate, CA?
In Applegate, CA, plant Endive after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Applegate, CA for Endive?
Applegate sits in USDA Zone 9b. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Endive grow in Applegate's climate?
Yes — Endive grows well in Applegate's temperate climate. Applegate averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around November 9.
Your Placer County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Placer County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.