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When to Plant Radicchio in Wayne 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.

Wayne County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 268 days.

At an elevation of 473 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 61.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Radicchio will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.

Wayne County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
268 days
Last Spring Frost March 1
268 growing days
First Fall Frost November 24

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (179 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 10 Transplant: Feb 14 🍅 Harvest: Apr 18 – May 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (170 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 25 Transplant: Mar 1 🍅 Harvest: May 3 – Jun 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (168 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: May 26 – Jun 30

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Radicchio needs ~1,225 GDD — county provides 4,690 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Wayne County, GA

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 25 Jan 25 โ€“ Feb 8
Transplant Outdoors March 1 Mar 1 โ€“ Mar 15
Direct Sow February 15 Feb 15 โ€“ Mar 8
Fall Sowing September 15 Sep 15 โ€“ Sep 29
Harvest May 3 May 3 โ€“ Jun 7

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

268 days

Growing Tips for Wayne 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 Wayne County, GA?

Wayne County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, GA?

Wayne County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 24.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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