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When to Plant Radicchio in Atchison County, MO

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.

Atchison County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 1,206 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Radicchio to ensure they mature before fall.

Atchison County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Atchison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Jul 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Jul 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (77 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 31 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Aug 11

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
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 65 gal / 100 sq ft
Radicchio needs ~858 GDD — county provides 2,131 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Atchison County, MO

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 1
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 โ€“ May 6
Direct Sow April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 29
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 โ€“ Aug 18
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 โ€“ Jul 29

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
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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 5b

Growing Season

174 days

Growing Tips for Atchison 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 Atchison County, MO?

Atchison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atchison County, MO?

Atchison County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Atchison County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Atchison County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.