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When to Plant Endive in Cherry County, NE

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.

Cherry County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.

At an elevation of 980 feet, Cherry County receives approximately 24.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Cherry County, NE (Zone 4b) Short season
149 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
149 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Cherry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.3

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 โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Cherry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Cherry County, NE

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 โ€“ May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 24
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Aug 2
Fall Sowing July 14 Jul 14 โ€“ Jul 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

45โ€“65 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

149 days in Cherry County

Growing Tips for Cherry 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 Cherry County, NE?

Cherry County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cherry County, NE?

Cherry County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cherry County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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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 Cherry County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.