When to plant Belgian Endive in Lake County, IL
Aim to plant Belgian Endive in Lake County on or after April 7; the window stays open through April 28. Lake County's 182-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Belgian Endive in Lake 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.
Lake County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 1,080 feet, Lake County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Belgian Endive to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Lake County, IL
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Lake 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
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Belgian Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Lake County, IL?
Lake County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, IL?
Lake County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Lake County, IL?
In Lake County, IL, plant Belgian Endive after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake County, IL for Belgian Endive?
Lake County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Belgian Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Belgian Endive grow in Lake County's climate?
Yes — Belgian Endive grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 20.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake 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.