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When to plant Endive in Jefferson County, MT

Jefferson County's spring Endive window runs June 1 through June 22. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from June 29 to July 13 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Jefferson County, MT

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.

Jefferson County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 15 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 84 days.

At an elevation of 7,214 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 21.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Jefferson County, MT (Zone 5a) Very short season
84 days
Last Spring Frost June 15
84 growing days
First Fall Frost September 7

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Endive Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, MT

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 11 May 11 – May 25
Transplant Outdoors June 15 Jun 15 – Jun 29
Direct Sow June 1 Jun 1 – Jun 22
Harvest August 3 Aug 3 – Sep 7
Fall Sowing June 29 Jun 29 – Jul 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

84 days in Jefferson County

Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, MT?

Jefferson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 15. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, MT?

Jefferson County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 15 and first fall frost is September 7.

When should I plant Endive in Jefferson County, MT?

In Jefferson County, MT, plant Endive after the last frost (around June 15) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jefferson County, MT for Endive?

Jefferson County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Endive grow in Jefferson County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 84-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 15 and first frost around September 7.

🌱

Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 5a). 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 Jefferson County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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