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When to plant Belgian Endive in Sullivan County, MO

Spring Belgian Endive in Sullivan County goes in April 3–April 24, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Belgian Endive in Sullivan 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.

Sullivan County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 1,019 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Belgian Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Sullivan County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Sullivan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Sullivan County, MO

Belgian Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 24
Harvest August 7 Aug 7 – Oct 2
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April 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 6a

📆 Growing Season

183 days in Sullivan County

Growing Tips for Sullivan 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Belgian Endive in Sullivan County, MO?

Sullivan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sullivan County, MO?

Sullivan County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Belgian Endive in Sullivan County, MO?

In Sullivan County, MO, plant Belgian Endive after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sullivan County, MO for Belgian Endive?

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

Can Belgian Endive grow in Sullivan County's climate?

Yes — Belgian Endive grows well in Sullivan County's temperate climate. Sullivan County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Sullivan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sullivan 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 Sullivan County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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