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When to Plant Radicchio in Bowman County, ND

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.

Bowman County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.

At an elevation of 753 feet, Bowman County receives approximately 25.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Radicchio to ensure they mature before fall.

Bowman County, ND (Zone 4a) Short season
132 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
132 growing days
First Fall Frost September 24

Bowman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 31 Transplant: May 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Aug 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 3 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Aug 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 21 Transplant: Jun 2 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Sep 8

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 675 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Radicchio needs ~752 GDD — county provides 1,419 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Bowman County, ND

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 17
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 โ€“ May 29
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 29
Fall Sowing July 2 Jul 2 โ€“ Jul 16
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 โ€“ Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August 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 4a

Growing Season

132 days

Growing Tips for Bowman 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 Bowman County, ND?

Bowman County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bowman County, ND?

Bowman County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 24.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bowman County gardeners in Zone 4a 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 Bowman County, ND. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.