Blog

When to Plant Radicchio in Berrien County, GA

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.

Berrien County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 263 days.

At an elevation of 251 feet, Berrien County receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Radicchio, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.

Berrien County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
263 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
263 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Berrien County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (170 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Feb 21 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – May 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (165 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jun 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (168 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 19 Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jul 2

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 117 gal / 100 sq ft
Radicchio needs ~1,382 GDD — county provides 5,194 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Berrien County, GA

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 โ€“ Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Direct Sow February 19 Feb 19 โ€“ Mar 12
Fall Sowing September 14 Sep 14 โ€“ Sep 28
Harvest May 7 May 7 โ€“ Jun 11

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“80 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

263 days

Growing Tips for Berrien 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

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Radicchio in Berrien County, GA?

Berrien County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Berrien County, GA?

Berrien County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Berrien County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Berrien County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.