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When to Plant Radicchio in Washington 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.

Washington County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

At an elevation of 277 feet, Washington County receives approximately 50.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92Β°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.

Washington County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.3

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€” 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.3" 1" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Radicchio Planting Timeline β€” Washington County, GA

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 – Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Direct Sow March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 28
Harvest May 23 May 23 – Jun 27
Fall Sowing September 2 Sep 2 – Sep 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
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 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

235 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, GA?

Washington County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, GA?

Washington County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 11.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Washington County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.