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When to plant Endive in Macon County County,

The best window to plant Endive in Macon County County, is March 30–April 20, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 13; first frost October 19. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Macon 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.

Macon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 1,064 feet, Macon County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Macon County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Macon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline — Macon County, IL

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest June 1 Jun 1 – Jul 6
Fall Sowing August 10 Aug 10 – Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
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

189 days in Macon County

Growing Tips for Macon 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 Macon County, IL?

Macon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macon County, IL?

Macon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 19.

When should I plant Endive in Macon County County, ?

In Macon County County, , plant Endive after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Macon County County, for Endive?

Macon County 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 Macon County County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Macon County County's temperate climate. Macon County County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 19.

🌱

Your Macon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Macon 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 Macon County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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