When to plant Endive in Exeter, CA
Plant Endive in Exeter, when soil hits 50°F — usually January 27. Continue planting through February 17 for the spring crop. A second sowing from October 8 to October 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Endive in Exeter, CA
Tulare County, California gardeners: here's your August plan
Here's what deserves your attention in Tulare County, California this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Exeter, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 5,836 feet, Tulare County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Endive may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Endive successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Exeter Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.2
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 Exeter
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.2) overlaps with Endive's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tulare County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 08.
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3" | 0.5" | 2.5" | 🚿 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" | 0.7" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Tulare 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 — Exeter, CA
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 20 | Jan 20 – Feb 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Direct Sow | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 17 |
| Harvest | April 7 | Apr 7 – May 12 |
| Fall Sowing | October 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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
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
289 days in Tulare County
Growing Tips for Endive in Exeter
Direct sow Endive outdoors after February 17 in Tulare County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 290.0-day season in Tulare 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 Exeter, CA?
In Exeter, CA, plant Endive after the last frost (around February 17) and before the first frost (around December 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Exeter, CA for Endive?
Exeter sits in USDA Zone 9b. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Endive grow in Exeter's climate?
Yes — Endive grows well in Exeter's temperate climate. Exeter averages a 290-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 17 and first frost around December 3.
Your Tulare County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Tulare 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.