When to Plant Belgian Endive in Upshur 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.
Upshur County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.
At an elevation of 51 feet, Upshur County receives approximately 74 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Belgian Endive may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Belgian Endive will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Belgian Endive root diseases.
Upshur County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
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 | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Upshur County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Belgian Endive Planting Timeline — Upshur County, TX
Belgian Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Direct Sow | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 16 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 |
| Fall Sowing | September 8 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
253 days in Upshur County
Growing Tips for Upshur 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
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Belgian Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Belgian Endive in Upshur County, TX?
Upshur County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Belgian Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Upshur County, TX?
Upshur County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.
Your Upshur County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Upshur County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.