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When to Plant Endive in Gray, Maine (04039)

Location

Gray, Maine

ZIP Code

04039

USDA Zone

5b

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

Pro tip: Sow Endive directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Cichorium endivia
Days to Maturity 85 days
Mature Height 10-16"
Spread 12"
Type Leaf
Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Partial Shade to Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular (keep moist)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Endive in Gray?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 28, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CarrotRadishLettuce
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Endive

See which plants help Endive thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow plants to bolt and seed heads to dry fully on the stalk.

Processing

Cut dried stalks into a bag, thresh to release seeds, winnow lightly.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Endive cross-pollinates with chicory — isolate by 300 feet if growing both and saving seed from either.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Endive. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive in Gray, Maine? +

In Gray (Zone 5b), direct sow Endive outdoors around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Gray, Maine? +

The average last spring frost date for Gray, Maine (ZIP 04039) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Endive take to grow? +

Endive typically matures in about 85 days from direct sowing. In Gray, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, March 28, 2026 plus 85 days.

Should I start Endive indoors or direct sow in Maine? +

Endive does best when direct sown outdoors. In Gray, sow directly around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Other Plants for Gray

Growing Endive in Zone 5b

Endive (Cichorium endivia) is a popular garden vegetable. In Gray, Maine, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Endive grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.