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When to Plant Endive in Cameron County, PA

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.

Cameron County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 440 feet, Cameron County receives approximately 47.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.

Cameron County, PA (Zone 5a) Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
145 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Cameron County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.3

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€” 3.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 4.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 4.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 3.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

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

Endive Planting Timeline โ€” Cameron County, PA

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ Apr 26
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 โ€“ May 31
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 24
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 โ€“ Aug 9
Fall Sowing July 31 Jul 31 โ€“ Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

145 days in Cameron County

Growing Tips for Cameron 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 Cameron County, PA?

Cameron County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cameron County, PA?

Cameron County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cameron County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cameron County, PA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.