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When to plant Endive in Orange County, IN

Plant Endive in Orange County after April 14; the prime window is March 31–April 21. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Orange County, IN

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.

Orange County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 1,246 feet, Orange County receives approximately 34.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Orange County, IN (Zone 6b) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Orange County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline — Orange County, IN

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 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

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 6b

📆 Growing Season

189 days in Orange County

Growing Tips for Orange 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 Orange County, IN?

Orange County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Orange County, IN?

Orange County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Endive in Orange County, IN?

In Orange County, IN, plant Endive after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Orange County, IN for Endive?

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

Can Endive grow in Orange County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Orange County's temperate climate. Orange County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 20.

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Your Orange County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Orange County (Zone 6b). 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 Orange County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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