When to plant Belgian Endive in Mercer County, IL
Plant Belgian Endive in Mercer County after April 17; the prime window is April 3–April 24. A second sowing from August 6 to August 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Belgian Endive in Mercer 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.
Mercer County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 777 feet, Mercer County receives approximately 37.2 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.
Mercer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Mercer County, IL
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
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 5b
📆 Growing Season
181 days in Mercer County
Growing Tips for Mercer 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 Mercer County, IL?
Mercer County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mercer County, IL?
Mercer County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Mercer County, IL?
In Mercer County, IL, plant Belgian Endive after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mercer County, IL for Belgian Endive?
Mercer County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Belgian Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Belgian Endive grow in Mercer County's climate?
Yes — Belgian Endive grows well in Mercer County's temperate climate. Mercer County averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 15.
Your Mercer County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mercer County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.