When to plant Endive in Hardin County, IA
Plant Endive in Hardin County after April 28; the prime window is April 14–May 5. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Endive in Hardin County, IA
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.
Hardin County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 507 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.
Hardin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Endive Planting Timeline — Hardin County, IA
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Hardin County
Growing Tips for Hardin 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Endive in Hardin County, IA?
Hardin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hardin County, IA?
Hardin County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Endive in Hardin County, IA?
In Hardin County, IA, plant Endive after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hardin County, IA for Endive?
Hardin County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Endive grow in Hardin County's climate?
Yes — Endive grows well in Hardin County's temperate climate. Hardin County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 9.
Your Hardin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hardin County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.