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When to Plant Endive in Chaves County, NM

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.

Chaves County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 2,932 feet, Chaves County receives approximately 11.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Endive will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Endive successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Chaves County, NM (Zone 7b) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
204 growing days
First Fall Frost October 30

Chaves County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Endive Planting Timeline — Chaves County, NM

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest May 28 May 28 – Jul 2
Fall Sowing August 21 Aug 21 – Sep 4

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 Harvest
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 7b

📆 Growing Season

204 days in Chaves County

Growing Tips for Chaves 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 Chaves County, NM?

Chaves County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chaves County, NM?

Chaves County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 30.

🌱

Your Chaves County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Chaves County (Zone 7b). 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 Chaves County, NM. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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