When to plant Endive in Stevens County, MN
Plant Endive in Stevens County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 25. Continue planting through May 16 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 14 to July 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Endive in Stevens County, MN
Your July planting checklist for Stevens County, Minnesota
Welcome to July in Zone 4b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Harvest endive as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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Sow endive for an autumn harvest
Count back from your first frost (October 6) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
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.
Stevens County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 1,259 feet, Stevens County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.
Stevens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Endive 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 Stevens County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Endive's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Stevens County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — 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 Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 14.
Endive 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Stevens 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 — Stevens County, MN
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
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 | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Stevens County
Growing Tips for Endive in Stevens County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after May 02 in Stevens 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 Stevens County, MN?
Stevens County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stevens County, MN?
Stevens County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Endive in Stevens County, MN?
In Stevens County, MN, plant Endive after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stevens County, MN for Endive?
Stevens County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Endive grow in Stevens County's climate?
Yes — Endive grows well in Stevens County's temperate climate. Stevens County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 6.
Your Stevens County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stevens 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.