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When to plant Endive in Lee County, FL

Lee County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Plant Endive between January 7 (after last frost on January 28) and January 28. A second sowing from October 24 to November 7 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Lee 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.

Lee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.

At an elevation of 408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 86°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.

Lee County, FL (Zone 10b) Year-round
325 days
Last Spring Frost January 28
325 growing days
First Fall Frost December 19

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Endive Planting Timeline — Lee County, FL

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 31 Dec 31 – Jan 14
Transplant Outdoors January 28 Jan 28 – Feb 11
Direct Sow January 7 Jan 7 – Jan 28
Harvest March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 22
Fall Sowing October 24 Oct 24 – Nov 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 10b

📆 Growing Season

325 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee 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 Lee County, FL?

Lee County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, FL?

Lee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 19.

When should I plant Endive in Lee County, FL?

In Lee County, FL, plant Endive after the last frost (around January 28) and before the first frost (around December 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, FL for Endive?

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

Can Endive grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 28 and first frost around December 19.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 10b). 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 Lee County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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