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When to plant Endive in Aroostook County, ME

For Aroostook County, gardeners: plant Endive May 11 through June 1 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 2 to July 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Aroostook County, ME

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.

Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.

At an elevation of 314 feet, Aroostook County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Aroostook County, ME (Zone 4a) Short season
129 days
Last Spring Frost May 18
129 growing days
First Fall Frost September 24

Aroostook County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.3

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 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline — Aroostook County, ME

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Transplant Outdoors May 18 May 18 – Jun 1
Direct Sow May 11 May 11 – Jun 1
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 – Aug 10
Fall Sowing July 2 Jul 2 – Jul 16

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

129 days in Aroostook County

Growing Tips for Aroostook 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 Aroostook County, ME?

Aroostook County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Aroostook County, ME?

Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 24.

When should I plant Endive in Aroostook County, ME?

In Aroostook County, ME, plant Endive after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Aroostook County, ME for Endive?

Aroostook County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Endive grow in Aroostook County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Aroostook County's temperate climate. Aroostook County averages a 129-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 24.

🌱

Your Aroostook County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Aroostook County (Zone 4a). 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 Aroostook County, ME. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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