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When to plant Belgian Endive in Mahnomen County, MN

In Mahnomen County, plant Belgian Endive in spring between May 6 and May 27, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Mahnomen County's last frost averages May 13, so be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. For a fall crop, sow between July 5 and July 19 — roughly 110–150 days before the first frost on September 27.

When to Plant Belgian Endive in Mahnomen 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.

Mahnomen County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.

At an elevation of 1,223 feet, Mahnomen County receives approximately 33.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Belgian Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Mahnomen County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
137 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
137 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Mahnomen County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Belgian Endive

Belgian 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 Belgian Endive Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Mahnomen County, MN

Belgian Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 – May 27
Direct Sow May 6 May 6 – May 27
Harvest September 2 Sep 2 – Oct 7
Fall Sowing July 5 Jul 5 – Jul 19

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
July Fall Sowing
August
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

137 days in Mahnomen County

Growing Tips for Mahnomen 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Belgian Endive in Mahnomen County, MN?

Mahnomen County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mahnomen County, MN?

Mahnomen County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.

When should I plant Belgian Endive in Mahnomen County, MN?

In Mahnomen County, MN, plant Belgian Endive after the last frost (around May 13) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mahnomen County, MN for Belgian Endive?

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

Can Belgian Endive grow in Mahnomen County's climate?

Yes — Belgian Endive grows well in Mahnomen County's temperate climate. Mahnomen County averages a 137-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 13 and first frost around September 27.

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Your Mahnomen County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mahnomen 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 Mahnomen County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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