Blog

When to Plant Radicchio in Grady 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.

Grady County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 261 days.

At an elevation of 323 feet, Grady County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, 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.

Grady County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
261 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
261 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21

Grady County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Radicchio

Radicchio needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Radicchio Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Grady County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Radicchio Planting Timeline β€” Grady County, GA

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 – Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Direct Sow February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 12
Harvest May 7 May 7 – Jun 11
Fall Sowing September 12 Sep 12 – Sep 26

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 6" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–80 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

261 days in Grady County

Growing Tips for Grady 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Radicchio in Grady County, GA?

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

What planting zone is Grady County, GA?

Grady County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 21.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Grady 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 Grady County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.