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When to Plant Radicchio in Crockett 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.

Crockett County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 3,010 feet, Crockett County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. 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.

Crockett County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Crockett County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.3-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (127 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jun 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Jul 21

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 246 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Radicchio needs ~1,382 GDD — county provides 4,503 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Crockett County, TX

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 11
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Apr 4
Fall Sowing September 2 Sep 2 โ€“ Sep 16
Harvest May 30 May 30 โ€“ Jul 4

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 โ€”
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

228 days

Growing Tips for Crockett 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 Crockett County, TX?

Crockett County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crockett County, TX?

Crockett County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 11.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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