Blog

When to plant Endive in Cass County, MN

Cass County's climate puts the Endive spring window between May 5 and May 26. be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. A second sowing from July 6 to July 20 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Cass County, MN

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.

Cass County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 938 feet, Cass County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Cass County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
139 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Cass County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.9

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline — Cass County, MN

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 14
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 – May 26
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 – May 26
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Aug 4
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
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

139 days in Cass County

Growing Tips for Cass 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 Cass County, MN?

Cass County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cass County, MN?

Cass County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 28.

When should I plant Endive in Cass County, MN?

In Cass County, MN, plant Endive after the last frost (around May 12) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cass County, MN for Endive?

Cass 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 Cass County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Cass County's temperate climate. Cass County averages a 139-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 12 and first frost around September 28.

🌱

Your Cass County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cass 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cass County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.