When to Plant Endive in Portage County, OH
Your July game plan for Portage County, Ohio
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Pick endive
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- Fall sowing: endive
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.
Portage County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 1,164 feet, Portage County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.
Portage County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Endive Planting Risk Windows
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 Portage County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) is within Endive's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Portage County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Endive will thrive.
How to Plant Endive
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Endive
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 04.
Endive Water Budget
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Portage 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 Planting Timeline — Portage County, OH
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
162 days in Portage County
Growing Tips for Endive in Portage County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after May 04 in Portage County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Endive in Portage County, OH?
Portage County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Portage County, OH?
Portage County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 13.
Your Portage County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Portage 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.