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When to plant Endive in Gilpin County, CO

For Gilpin County, gardeners: plant Endive April 30 through May 21 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 18 to August 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Gilpin County, CO

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.

Gilpin County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 6,444 feet, Gilpin County receives approximately 18.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Endive successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Gilpin County, CO (Zone 5b) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Gilpin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Endive Planting Timeline — Gilpin County, CO

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 – Aug 6
Fall Sowing July 18 Jul 18 – Aug 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

135 days in Gilpin County

Growing Tips for Gilpin County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive in Gilpin County, CO?

Gilpin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gilpin County, CO?

Gilpin County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 26.

When should I plant Endive in Gilpin County, CO?

In Gilpin County, CO, plant Endive after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Gilpin County, CO for Endive?

Gilpin County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Endive grow in Gilpin County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Gilpin County's temperate climate. Gilpin County averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 26.

🌱

Your Gilpin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Gilpin County (Zone 5b). 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 Gilpin County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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