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When to Plant Radicchio in Wichita 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.

Wichita County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 4,706 feet, Wichita County receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.

Wichita County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Wichita County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (136 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jun 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (138 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 14 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jun 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (127 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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 53 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Radicchio needs ~1,435 GDD — county provides 4,838 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Wichita County, TX

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 โ€“ Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Direct Sow March 7 Mar 7 โ€“ Mar 28
Fall Sowing September 3 Sep 3 โ€“ Sep 17
Harvest May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jun 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March 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

236 days

Growing Tips for Wichita 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 Wichita County, TX?

Wichita County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wichita County, TX?

Wichita County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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