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When to Plant Radicchio in Phelps 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.

Phelps County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.

At an elevation of 1,057 feet, Phelps County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season.

Phelps County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Phelps County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Jul 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (100 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Jul 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Jul 29

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
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 237 gal / 100 sq ft
Radicchio needs ~1,068 GDD — county provides 3,019 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Phelps County, MO

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 16
Fall Sowing August 15 Aug 15 โ€“ Aug 29
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 โ€“ Jul 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
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 6a

Growing Season

198 days

Growing Tips for Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO?

Phelps County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Phelps County, MO?

Phelps County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 24.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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