When to plant Endive in Louisa County, IA
Spring Endive in Louisa County goes in April 2–April 23, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Endive in Louisa 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.
Louisa County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 1,022 feet, Louisa County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.
Louisa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Endive Planting Timeline — Louisa County, IA
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 |
| 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 | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Louisa County
Growing Tips for Louisa 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 Louisa County, IA?
Louisa County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Louisa County, IA?
Louisa County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Endive in Louisa County, IA?
In Louisa County, IA, plant Endive after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Louisa County, IA for Endive?
Louisa County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Endive grow in Louisa County's climate?
Yes — Endive grows well in Louisa County's temperate climate. Louisa County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 16.
Your Louisa County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Louisa 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.