When to plant Endive in La Plata County, CO
In Zone 6a (La Plata County), direct-sow Endive between May 17 and June 7 for spring, after the May 31 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 13 to July 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Endive in La Plata County, CO
July to-do list for La Plata County, Colorado
July is a pivotal month for La Plata County, Colorado gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Sow endive in trays indoors
You're about 11 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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It's harvest week for endive
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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Kick off the fall garden with endive
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- 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.
La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 5,246 feet, La Plata County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°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.
La Plata County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.9
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 La Plata County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.9) is more alkaline than Endive prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in La Plata County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 13.
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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 1.6" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.9" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 1.4" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1.3" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in La Plata 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 — La Plata County, CO
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 23 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
113 days in La Plata County
Growing Tips for Endive in La Plata County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after May 31 in La Plata 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 La Plata County, CO?
La Plata County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is La Plata County, CO?
La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Endive in La Plata County, CO?
In La Plata County, CO, plant Endive after the last frost (around May 31) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is La Plata County, CO for Endive?
La Plata County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Endive grow in La Plata County's climate?
Yes — Endive grows well in La Plata County's temperate climate. La Plata County averages a 113-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 31 and first frost around September 21.
Your La Plata County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for La Plata County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.