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When to Plant Radicchio in Andrews County, TX

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.

Andrews County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.

At an elevation of 1,776 feet, Andrews County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100ยฐF, so Radicchio may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Radicchio will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.

Andrews County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
223 days
Last Spring Frost March 29
223 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Andrews County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.5-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (129 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: May 21 – Jun 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 22 Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Jul 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 20 – Jul 25

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 40 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Radicchio needs ~1,750 GDD — county provides 5,575 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Andrews County, TX

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 22 Feb 22 โ€“ Mar 8
Transplant Outdoors March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 12
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Apr 5
Fall Sowing August 29 Aug 29 โ€“ Sep 12
Harvest May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jul 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
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 7b

Growing Season

223 days

Growing Tips for Andrews 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 Andrews County, TX?

Andrews County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Andrews County, TX?

Andrews County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Andrews County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Andrews County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.