Belgian Endive (Witloof) in Zone 9a & 9b

Cichorium intybus

When to plant belgian endive (witloof) in zone 9b

Zones 9a and 9b 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	Feb 15–Feb 22
Estimated harvest	Jun 15–Jun 22 (~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 9's season

Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 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 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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