When to Plant Endive in Otter Tail County, MN
This month in Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Your Otter Tail County, Minnesota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Transplant endive outside
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Put endive seeds straight in the ground
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
Looking ahead to 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.
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 571 feet, Otter Tail County receives approximately 40.3 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.
Otter Tail County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.8
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 Otter Tail County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.8) is within Endive's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Otter Tail County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Endive.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.2%) — Endive will thrive.
How to Plant Endive
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Endive
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 06.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Otter Tail 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 — Otter Tail County, MN
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Otter Tail County
Growing Tips for Endive in Otter Tail County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after May 11 in Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Otter Tail County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Otter Tail 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.