When to Plant Radicchio in Washington County, IL
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, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,126 feet, Washington County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Radicchio Planting Timeline — Washington County, IL
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
194 days
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
Level Up Your Garden
Radicchio in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radicchio in Washington County, IL?
Washington County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, IL?
Washington County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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