Blog

When to Plant Belgian Endive in Robertson County, TX

Belgian endive is produced by forcing chicory roots in darkness to create tight, pale, torpedo-shaped heads called chicons. They have a mild bitterness and elegant crunch.

Robertson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.

At an elevation of 85 feet, Robertson County receives approximately 61.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Belgian Endive during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Belgian Endive, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Belgian Endive root diseases.

Robertson County, TX (Zone 9a) Long season
254 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
254 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Robertson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Belgian Endive

Belgian 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 Belgian Endive Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Robertson County, TX

Belgian Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 21
Direct Sow February 14 Feb 14 – Mar 7
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 22
Fall Sowing September 21 Sep 21 – Oct 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

110–150 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

254 days in Robertson County

Growing Tips for Robertson County

Grow chicory roots in the garden during summer, then dig in fall. Trim tops and force roots in moist sand in a dark cellar at 50-60F. Chicons emerge in 3-4 weeks.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Belgian Endive in Robertson County, TX?

Robertson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Robertson County, TX?

Robertson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 16.

🌱

Your Robertson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Robertson County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Robertson 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.