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When to plant Endive in Polk County, MN

Spring Endive in Polk County goes in May 4–May 25, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from July 9 to July 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Polk 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.

Polk County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 1,053 feet, Polk County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Polk County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Polk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Endive Planting Timeline — Polk 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 9 Jul 9 – Jul 23

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

143 days in Polk County

Growing Tips for Polk 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 Polk County, MN?

Polk 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 Polk County, MN?

Polk County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 1.

When should I plant Endive in Polk County, MN?

In Polk County, MN, plant Endive after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Polk County, MN for Endive?

Polk 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 Polk County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Polk County's temperate climate. Polk County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 1.

🌱

Your Polk County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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