Belgian Endive (Witloof) in Zone 3a & 3b

Cichorium intybus

When to plant belgian endive (witloof) in zone 3b

Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Belgian Endive (Witloof) doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.

Start indoors	Not typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outside	May 30–Jun 6
Estimated harvest	Sep 27–Oct 4 (~120 days after direct-sowing)

Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.

Belgian endive, also called witloof, is a two-stage crop. It's grown in the garden through the regular season for its root, like a chicory-family parsnip, then dug and forced indoors in total darkness to produce the pale, tightly furled chicons sold in stores as Belgian endive.

How belgian endive (witloof) fits zone 3's season

Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Belgian Endive (Witloof) needs about 120 days from sowing to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Belgian Endive (Witloof).

Where to buy belgian endive seeds

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See it growing

Search YouTube for "growing belgian endive (witloof)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)

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Growing Belgian Endive (Witloof) in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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