When to Plant Endive in Hancock County, ME
Your May planting checklist for Hancock County, Maine
Each item below is timed to Hancock County, Maine's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Harden off and plant endive
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
Get ahead of June
- Starting indoors: endive
- First harvests: endive
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.
Hancock County, Maine is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 654 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 45.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.
Hancock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Hancock County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.6) overlaps with Endive's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hancock County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Endive.
How to Plant Endive
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Endive
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 02.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Endive
Endive needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Endive Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Hancock County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Endive Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Endive Planting Timeline — Hancock County, ME
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Hancock County
Growing Tips for Endive in Hancock County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after May 06 in Hancock County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Endive in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Hancock County, ME?
Hancock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hancock County, ME?
Hancock County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Hancock County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hancock County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.