When to plant Belgian Endive in Davis County, IA
In Davis County, plant Belgian Endive in spring between April 5 and April 26, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Davis County's last frost averages April 19, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 7 and August 21 — roughly 110–150 days before the first frost on October 16.
When to Plant Belgian Endive in Davis County, IA
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.
Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 859 feet, Davis County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season.
Davis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Davis County, IA
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
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
180 days in Davis County
Growing Tips for Davis 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 Davis County, IA?
Davis County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Davis County, IA?
Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Davis County, IA?
In Davis County, IA, plant Belgian Endive after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Davis County, IA for Belgian Endive?
Davis 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 Davis County's climate?
Yes — Belgian Endive grows well in Davis County's temperate climate. Davis County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 16.
Your Davis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Davis 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.