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When to plant Endive in Cole County, MO

Plant Endive in Cole County from March 24 to April 14 in spring. Cole County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 7 and first frost on October 28. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Cole County, MO

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.

Cole County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 614 feet, Cole County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Cole County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
204 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Cole County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Endive

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 Endive Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cole County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Endive Planting Timeline — Cole County, MO

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Direct Sow March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 14
Harvest May 26 May 26 – Jun 30
Fall Sowing August 19 Aug 19 – Sep 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

204 days in Cole County

Growing Tips for Cole 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 Cole County, MO?

Cole County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cole County, MO?

Cole County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 28.

When should I plant Endive in Cole County, MO?

In Cole County, MO, plant Endive after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cole County, MO for Endive?

Cole County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Endive grow in Cole County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Cole County's temperate climate. Cole County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 28.

🌱

Your Cole County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cole County (Zone 6b). 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 Cole County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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