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When to Plant Radicchio in Webster County, WV

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.

Webster County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 2,569 feet, Webster County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt 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.

Webster County, WV (Zone 6a) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Webster County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (78 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Jul 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (77 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (72 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 10 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Aug 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
1.3″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Radicchio needs ~1,225 GDD — county provides 3,062 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Webster County, WV

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ May 4
Fall Sowing August 10 Aug 10 โ€“ Aug 24
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Aug 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
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 6a

Growing Season

175 days

Growing Tips for Webster 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 Webster County, WV?

Webster County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Webster County, WV?

Webster County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 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 Webster County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Webster County, WV. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.