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When to Plant Radicchio in Colquitt 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.

Colquitt County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.

At an elevation of 211 feet, Colquitt County receives approximately 54.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Radicchio may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Colquitt County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
258 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
258 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Colquitt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (160 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – Jun 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (160 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jun 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (166 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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 259 gal / 100 sq ft
Radicchio needs ~1,540 GDD — county provides 5,676 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Colquitt County, GA

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 โ€“ Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors March 7 Mar 7 โ€“ Mar 21
Direct Sow February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 14
Fall Sowing September 11 Sep 11 โ€“ Sep 25
Harvest May 9 May 9 โ€“ Jun 13

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

258 days

Growing Tips for Colquitt 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 Colquitt County, GA?

Colquitt County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Colquitt County, GA?

Colquitt County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 20.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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