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When to plant Endive in Edgar County, IL

For Endive in Edgar County, the safe spring window opens around April 4 and closes around April 25. Last expected frost is April 18, first fall frost October 17, giving a 182-day growing season. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Edgar County, IL

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.

Edgar County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 1,272 feet, Edgar County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Edgar County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Edgar County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.8

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline — Edgar County, IL

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Jul 11
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

182 days in Edgar County

Growing Tips for Edgar 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 Edgar County, IL?

Edgar County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Edgar County, IL?

Edgar County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Endive in Edgar County, IL?

In Edgar County, IL, plant Endive after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Edgar County, IL for Endive?

Edgar County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Endive grow in Edgar County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Edgar County's temperate climate. Edgar County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Edgar County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Edgar County (Zone 6a). 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 Edgar County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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