When to Plant Endive in Loudon County, TN
This month in Loudon County, Tennessee
Here's what deserves your attention in Loudon County, Tennessee this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: endive
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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It's harvest week for endive
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: 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.
Loudon County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 2,724 feet, Loudon County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.
Loudon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Loudon County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.5) is within Endive's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Loudon County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Endive.
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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Loudon 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 — Loudon County, TN
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Loudon County
Growing Tips for Endive in Loudon County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after April 10 in Loudon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 199.0-day season in Loudon County allows multiple plantings of Endive. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
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 Loudon County, TN?
Loudon County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Loudon County, TN?
Loudon County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Loudon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Loudon 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.