When to plant Endive in Pulaski County, IL
Pulaski County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Plant Endive between March 26 (after last frost on April 9) and April 16. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Endive in Pulaski County, IL
What to do in June
Your Pulaski County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
-
Collect endive at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: endive
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.
Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 1,244 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.
Pulaski County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Endive Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Pulaski County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.1) overlaps with Endive's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Endive.
How to Plant Endive
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Endive
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 13.
Endive Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Endive
Endive needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Endive Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Endive Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Endive Planting Timeline — Pulaski County, IL
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Endive in Pulaski County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after April 09 in Pulaski County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 196.0-day season in Pulaski County allows multiple plantings of Endive. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Endive in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Endive in Pulaski County, IL?
Pulaski County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pulaski County, IL?
Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Endive in Pulaski County, IL?
In Pulaski County, IL, plant Endive after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pulaski County, IL for Endive?
Pulaski 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 Pulaski County's climate?
Yes — Endive grows well in Pulaski County's temperate climate. Pulaski County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 22.
Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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.