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When to plant Endive in Amite County, MS

Plant Endive in Amite County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 20. Continue planting through March 13 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 7 to September 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Amite County, MS

Amite County, Mississippi Zone 8b July

July in the garden — Amite County, Mississippi

Each item below is timed to Amite County, Mississippi's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.

Avg. last frost March 6
Avg. first frost November 16
Soil temp (4") 89°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs

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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.

Amite County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.

At an elevation of 375 feet, Amite County receives approximately 58.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Endive, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Endive root diseases.

Amite County, MS (Zone 8b) Long season
255 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
255 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Amite County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Endive Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (170 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 23 Transplant: Feb 27 🍅 Harvest: Apr 17 – May 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (171 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 30 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: Apr 24 – May 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (167 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jun 26

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 Amite County

How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) is within Endive's preferred range (5.5–7.0).

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Amite County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Endive.

How to Plant Endive

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Endive

6
successive plantings in your 255-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 12 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 07.

Endive Water Budget

Plant needs
0.7″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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 5.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 3" 4.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 3" 3.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 3" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Amite 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 needs ~1,045 GDD — county provides 4,845 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline — Amite County, MS

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 30 Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Direct Sow February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 13
Harvest April 24 Apr 24 – May 29
Fall Sowing September 7 Sep 7 – Sep 21

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

255 days in Amite County

Growing Tips for Endive in Amite County

Direct sow Endive outdoors after March 06 in Amite County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Amite County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Endive. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Your generous 255.0-day season in Amite County allows multiple plantings of Endive. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.

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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive in Amite County, MS?

Amite County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Amite County, MS?

Amite County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 16.

When should I plant Endive in Amite County, MS?

In Amite County, MS, plant Endive after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Amite County, MS for Endive?

Amite County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Endive grow in Amite County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Amite County's temperate climate. Amite County averages a 255-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 16.

🌱

Your Amite County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Amite County (Zone 8b). 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 Amite County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.