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When to Plant Radicchio in Wayne County, IN

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, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 1,322 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season.

Wayne County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (74 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Jul 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (72 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 5 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Aug 16

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
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 711 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Radicchio needs ~1,225 GDD — county provides 3,045 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Wayne County, IN

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ May 2
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 โ€“ Aug 21
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 โ€“ Aug 1

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September โ€”
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 6a

Growing Season

174 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, IN?

Wayne County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, IN?

Wayne County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wayne County gardeners in Zone 6a 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, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.