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When to Plant Endive in Cooke 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.

Cooke County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.

At an elevation of 1,818 feet, Cooke County receives approximately 69.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Endive root diseases.

Cooke County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
230 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
230 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Cooke County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.6

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 8.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cooke County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Endive Planting Timeline — Cooke County, TX

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 – Apr 2
Harvest May 14 May 14 – Jun 18
Fall Sowing September 2 Sep 2 – Sep 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

230 days in Cooke County

Growing Tips for Cooke 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 Cooke County, TX?

Cooke County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cooke County, TX?

Cooke County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 11.

🌱

Your Cooke County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cooke County (Zone 8a). 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 Cooke County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.