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When to Plant Radicchio in Albany County, WY

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.

Albany County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is September 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 112 days.

At an elevation of 5,863 feet, Albany County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Radicchio to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Radicchio successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Albany County, WY (Zone 4b) Short season
112 days
Last Spring Frost May 29
112 growing days
First Fall Frost September 18

Albany County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (11 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 12 Transplant: May 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Aug 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (14 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 17 Transplant: May 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Sep 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 29 Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Sep 16

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 398 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Radicchio needs ~700 GDD — county provides 1,120 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Albany County, WY

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 1
Transplant Outdoors May 29 May 29 โ€“ Jun 12
Direct Sow May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 12
Fall Sowing June 26 Jun 26 โ€“ Jul 10
Harvest July 31 Jul 31 โ€“ Sep 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4b

Growing Season

112 days

Growing Tips for Albany 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 Albany County, WY?

Albany County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 29. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Albany County, WY?

Albany County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 29 and first fall frost is September 18.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Albany County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Albany County, WY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.