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When to plant Endive in Jefferson County, ID

Plant Endive in Jefferson County after May 22; the prime window is May 8–May 29. A second sowing from July 13 to July 27 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Jefferson County, ID

Jefferson County, Idaho Zone 5a August

Top priorities for Jefferson County, Idaho gardeners in August

Your garden in Jefferson County, Idaho is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this August.

Avg. last frost May 22
Avg. first frost September 21
Soil temp (4") 64°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs
  1. It's harvest week for endive

    Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.

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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.

Jefferson County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.

At an elevation of 5,094 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Endive successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Jefferson County, ID (Zone 5a) Short season
122 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
122 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

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 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, ID

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 – Jun 5
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Aug 14
Fall Sowing July 13 Jul 13 – Jul 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

122 days in Jefferson County

Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, ID?

Jefferson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, ID?

Jefferson County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 21.

When should I plant Endive in Jefferson County, ID?

In Jefferson County, ID, plant Endive after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jefferson County, ID for Endive?

Jefferson County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Endive grow in Jefferson County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 122-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 21.

🌱

Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 5a). 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 Jefferson County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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