Blog

When to plant Endive in Hamilton County, FL

Hamilton County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Plant Endive between February 11 (after last frost on March 4) and March 4. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Hamilton County, FL

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.

Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 279 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Endive root diseases.

Hamilton County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Hamilton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.7

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 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 9.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, FL

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Direct Sow February 11 Feb 11 – Mar 4
Harvest April 22 Apr 22 – May 27
Fall Sowing October 1 Oct 1 – Oct 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Hamilton County

Growing Tips for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, FL?

Hamilton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hamilton County, FL?

Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Endive in Hamilton County, FL?

In Hamilton County, FL, plant Endive after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hamilton County, FL for Endive?

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

Can Endive grow in Hamilton County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Hamilton County's temperate climate. Hamilton County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.