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When to plant Endive in Bodega, CA

Bodega's climate puts the Endive spring window between February 5 and February 26. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Bodega, CA

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.

Bodega, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.

At an elevation of 91 feet, Sonoma County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Endive will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Bodega, CA (Zone 9b) Year-round
273 days
Last Spring Frost February 26
273 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Bodega Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Endive

Endive needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Endive Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 6.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Mar 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Sonoma County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Endive Planting Timeline — Bodega, CA

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 – Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 12
Direct Sow February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 26
Harvest April 16 Apr 16 – May 21
Fall Sowing October 1 Oct 1 – Oct 15

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

273 days in Sonoma County

Growing Tips for Bodega

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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Endive in Bodega, CA?

In Bodega, CA, plant Endive after the last frost (around February 26) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bodega, CA for Endive?

Bodega sits in USDA Zone 9b. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Endive grow in Bodega's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Bodega's temperate climate. Bodega averages a 274-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 26 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

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A 22-page printable planner built for Sonoma 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sonoma County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.