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When to plant Endive in Longview, IL

For Longview, gardeners: plant Endive March 31 through April 21 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Longview, 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.

Longview, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.

At an elevation of 1,215 feet, Champaign County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Longview, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
188 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
188 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Longview 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 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline — Longview, IL

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest June 2 Jun 2 – Jul 7
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

188 days in Champaign County

Growing Tips for Longview

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 →

When should I plant Endive in Longview, IL?

In Longview, IL, plant Endive after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Longview, IL for Endive?

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

Can Endive grow in Longview's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Longview's temperate climate. Longview averages a 188-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 19.

🌱

Your Champaign County Garden Planner — Free

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