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When to Plant Radicchio in Eastland 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.

Eastland County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.

At an elevation of 2,811 feet, Eastland County receives approximately 63.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.

Eastland County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
223 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
223 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Eastland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (126 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 13 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jun 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 3 – Jul 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Jul 23

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Radicchio needs ~1,225 GDD — county provides 3,902 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Eastland County, TX

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 โ€“ Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Direct Sow March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 8
Fall Sowing September 1 Sep 1 โ€“ Sep 15
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Jul 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

223 days

Growing Tips for Eastland 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 Eastland County, TX?

Eastland County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Eastland County, TX?

Eastland County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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