When to Plant Endive in San Augustine 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.
San Augustine County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 146 feet, San Augustine County receives approximately 62.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Endive may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ great for early planting โ but Endive will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Endive root diseases.
San Augustine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.6
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 San Augustine County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4โ6.6) overlaps with Endive's range (5.5โ7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in San Augustine 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 (1.8%). 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 Sep 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 07.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 โ 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 | โ | 1.5" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 1.9" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 6.2" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 8.2" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 10.7" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 8.7" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 8.2" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 5.8" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Dec | โ | 1.5" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (MarโNov in San Augustine County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ 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" โ every day above 50ยฐF 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 โ San Augustine County, TX
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 โ Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 โ Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 โ Mar 12 |
| Harvest | April 23 | Apr 23 โ May 28 |
| Fall Sowing | September 7 | Sep 7 โ Sep 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | โ |
| July | โ |
| August | โ |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | โ |
| November | โ |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
๐ง Water
0.7"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient
๐ Days to Maturity
45โ65 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 5.5โ7 ยท Your soil: acceptable
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
๐ Growing Season
256 days in San Augustine County
Growing Tips for Endive in San Augustine County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after March 05 in San Augustine County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in San Augustine County dries quickly โ 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 96ยฐF in San Augustine County, provide afternoon shade for Endive and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 256.0-day season in San Augustine 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 San Augustine County, TX?
San Augustine County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Augustine County, TX?
San Augustine County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 16.
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