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When to Plant Radicchio in Lipscomb 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.

Lipscomb County, Texas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 4,634 feet, Lipscomb County receives approximately 48.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, 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.

Lipscomb County, TX (Zone 6b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Lipscomb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.7-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (85 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Jul 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Jul 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (89 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Aug 7

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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 384 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Radicchio needs ~1,435 GDD — county provides 3,792 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Lipscomb County, TX

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 1
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 24
Fall Sowing August 10 Aug 10 โ€“ Aug 24
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 โ€“ Jul 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Season

185 days

Growing Tips for Lipscomb 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 Lipscomb County, TX?

Lipscomb County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lipscomb County, TX?

Lipscomb County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 19.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lipscomb County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Lipscomb County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.