Blog

When to Plant Radicchio in Walker 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.

Walker County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.

At an elevation of 38 feet, Walker County receives approximately 72.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.

Walker County, TX (Zone 8b) Year-round
274 days
Last Spring Frost February 26
274 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Walker County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (179 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 8 Transplant: Feb 12 🍅 Harvest: Apr 16 – May 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (176 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 22 Transplant: Feb 26 🍅 Harvest: Apr 30 – Jun 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (179 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jun 19

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Radicchio needs ~1,225 GDD — county provides 4,812 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Walker County, TX

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 22 Jan 22 โ€“ Feb 5
Transplant Outdoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Direct Sow February 12 Feb 12 โ€“ Mar 5
Fall Sowing September 18 Sep 18 โ€“ Oct 2
Harvest April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ Jun 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
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 8b

Growing Season

274 days

Growing Tips for Walker 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 Walker County, TX?

Walker County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Walker County, TX?

Walker County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Walker County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Walker County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.