When to plant Belgian Endive in Hardin County, IL
Plant Belgian Endive in Hardin County after April 4; the prime window is March 21–April 11. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Belgian Endive in Hardin County, IL
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.
Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season.
Hardin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Hardin County, IL
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Sep 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
110–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
210 days in Hardin County
Growing Tips for Hardin County
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Belgian Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Hardin County, IL?
Hardin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hardin County, IL?
Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Hardin County, IL?
In Hardin County, IL, plant Belgian Endive after the last frost (around April 4) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hardin County, IL for Belgian Endive?
Hardin County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Belgian Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Belgian Endive grow in Hardin County's climate?
Yes — Belgian Endive grows well in Hardin County's temperate climate. Hardin County averages a 210-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 4 and first frost around October 31.
Your Hardin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hardin County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.