When to Plant Belgian Endive in St. Johns County, FL
May to-do list for St. Johns County, Florida
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: belgian endive
Belgian endive is produced by forcing chicory roots in darkness to create tight, pale, torpedo-shaped heads called chicons. They have a mild bitterness and elegant crunch.
St. Johns County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Belgian Endive may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Belgian Endive will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Belgian Endive root diseases.
St. Johns County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 St. Johns County
How your county's soil matches Belgian Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) overlaps with Belgian Endive's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Johns County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Belgian Endive will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Belgian Endive.
How to Plant Belgian Endive
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Belgian Endive
Belgian 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 | Belgian Endive Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Johns County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Belgian 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.
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — St. Johns County, FL
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | October 7 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
110–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in St. Johns County
Growing Tips for Belgian Endive in St. Johns County
Direct sow Belgian Endive outdoors after February 09 in St. Johns County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Johns County dries quickly — mulch Belgian Endive with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in St. Johns County, provide afternoon shade for Belgian Endive and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Belgian Endive in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Grow chicory roots in the garden during summer, then dig in fall. Trim tops and force roots in moist sand in a dark cellar at 50-60F. Chicons emerge in 3-4 weeks.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Belgian Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Belgian Endive in St. Johns County, FL?
St. Johns County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Johns County, FL?
St. Johns County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 2.
Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Johns 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.