When to Plant Endive in Briscoe County, TX
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.
Briscoe County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 4,513 feet, Briscoe County receives approximately 47.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Endive may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Endive will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Briscoe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.4-8.3
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 Briscoe County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.4–8.3) is more alkaline than Endive prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Briscoe County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Endive will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 1.6" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 1" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 1.9" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 10.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Briscoe 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 — Briscoe County, TX
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
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 | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
210 days in Briscoe County
Growing Tips for Endive in Briscoe County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after April 06 in Briscoe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Briscoe County dries quickly — mulch Endive with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Briscoe County, provide afternoon shade for Endive and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 210.0-day season in Briscoe 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 Briscoe County, TX?
Briscoe County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Briscoe County, TX?
Briscoe County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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