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When to Plant Endive in Washington 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.

Washington County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 196 feet, Washington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97Β°F, so Endive may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” 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.

Washington County, FL (Zone 8b) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-5.9

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 β€” 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline β€” Washington County, FL

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 – Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Direct Sow February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 12
Harvest April 23 Apr 23 – May 28
Fall Sowing September 11 Sep 11 – Sep 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

45–65 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

260 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, FL?

Washington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, FL?

Washington County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 20.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Washington County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.