When to Plant Radicchio in Montrose County, CO
Radicchio is an Italian chicory with stunning red and white leaves and a pleasantly bitter flavor. It forms tight heads and is used in salads, grilled, or braised.
Montrose County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.
At an elevation of 6,494 feet, Montrose County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Radicchio successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Montrose County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.9
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Radicchio Planting Timeline — Montrose County, CO
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jun 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 4 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
| Harvest | August 15 | Aug 15 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
91 days
Growing Tips for Montrose County
Start in late summer for fall harvest. The red color develops with cool nights and light frost. Harvest when heads are firm and compact.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Radicchio in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radicchio in Montrose County, CO?
Montrose County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montrose County, CO?
Montrose County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Montrose County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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