When to plant Belgian Endive in Atchison County, MO
Plant Belgian Endive in Atchison County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 8. Continue planting through April 29 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Belgian Endive in Atchison County, MO
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.
Atchison County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,206 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Belgian Endive to ensure they mature before fall.
Atchison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Atchison County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Atchison County, MO
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Atchison County
Growing Tips for Atchison 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Belgian Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Atchison County, MO?
Atchison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Atchison County, MO?
Atchison County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Atchison County, MO?
In Atchison County, MO, plant Belgian Endive after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Atchison County, MO for Belgian Endive?
Atchison County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Belgian Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Belgian Endive grow in Atchison County's climate?
Yes — Belgian Endive grows well in Atchison County's temperate climate. Atchison County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 13.
Your Atchison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Atchison County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.