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When to Plant Radicchio in Stonewall 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.

Stonewall County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

At an elevation of 2,417 feet, Stonewall County receives approximately 57.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, 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.

Stonewall County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 24
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Stonewall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jun 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (137 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: May 26 – Jun 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (127 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Jul 22

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
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 ~1,645 GDD — county provides 5,522 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Stonewall County, TX

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 17 Feb 17 โ€“ Mar 3
Transplant Outdoors March 24 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 7
Direct Sow March 10 Mar 10 โ€“ Mar 31
Fall Sowing September 5 Sep 5 โ€“ Sep 19
Harvest May 26 May 26 โ€“ Jun 30

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
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
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

235 days

Growing Tips for Stonewall 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 Stonewall County, TX?

Stonewall County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stonewall County, TX?

Stonewall County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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