When to plant Endive in Pope County, IL
For Endive in Pope County, the safe spring window opens around March 24 and closes around April 14. Last expected frost is April 7, first fall frost October 21, giving a 197-day growing season. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Endive in Pope 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.
Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 1,120 feet, Pope County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.
Pope County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Endive Planting Timeline — Pope County, IL
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Pope County
Growing Tips for Pope 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
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Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Endive in Pope County, IL?
Pope County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pope County, IL?
Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Endive in Pope County, IL?
In Pope County, IL, plant Endive after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pope County, IL for Endive?
Pope County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Endive grow in Pope County's climate?
Yes — Endive grows well in Pope County's temperate climate. Pope County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 21.
Your Pope County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pope 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.