When to plant Belgian Endive in Douglas County, MN
Douglas County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Plant Belgian Endive between April 26 (after last frost on May 3) and May 17. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Belgian Endive in Douglas County, MN
Belgian endive is produced by forcing chicory roots in darkness to create tight, pale, torpedo-shaped heads called chicons. They have a mild bitterness and elegant crunch.
Douglas County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,010 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Belgian Endive to ensure they mature before fall.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Douglas County, MN
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
110–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
154 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Douglas County
Grow chicory roots in the garden during summer, then dig in fall. Trim tops and force roots in moist sand in a dark cellar at 50-60F. Chicons emerge in 3-4 weeks.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
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Belgian Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Douglas County, MN?
Douglas County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, MN?
Douglas County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 4.
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Douglas County, MN?
In Douglas County, MN, plant Belgian Endive after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Douglas County, MN for Belgian Endive?
Douglas County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Belgian Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Belgian Endive grow in Douglas County's climate?
Yes — Belgian Endive grows well in Douglas County's temperate climate. Douglas County averages a 154-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 4.
Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.