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When to plant Endive in Monroe County County,

In Monroe County County, plant Endive in spring between March 31 and April 21, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Monroe County County's last frost averages April 14, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 12 and August 26 — roughly 65 days before the first frost on October 21.

When to Plant Endive in Monroe County, MO

Monroe County, Missouri Zone 6a June

Monroe County, Missouri gardeners: here's your June plan

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Monroe County, Missouri.

Avg. last frost April 14
Avg. first frost October 21
Soil temp (4") 71°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.8 hrs
  1. Pick endive

    Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.

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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.

Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.

At an elevation of 1,128 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Monroe County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
190 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
190 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Endive Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jul 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (106 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jul 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Jul 17

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 Monroe County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.6) is within Endive's preferred range (5.5–7.0).

Soil Texture

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

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Endive.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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

5
successive plantings in your 190-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 17 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.

Endive Water Budget

Plant needs
0.7″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3" 3.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 3" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3" 3.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3" 3.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 3" 2.6" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Monroe 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 ~674 GDD — county provides 2,327 GDD Excellent fit

Endive Planting Timeline — Monroe County, MO

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest June 2 Jun 2 – Jul 7
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

190 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Endive in Monroe County

Direct sow Endive outdoors after April 14 in Monroe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your generous 190.0-day season in Monroe 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 Monroe County, MO?

Monroe County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, MO?

Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Endive in Monroe County, ?

In Monroe County, , plant Endive after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Monroe County, for Endive?

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

Can Endive grow in Monroe County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 190-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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