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When to Plant Radicchio in Johnson 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.

Johnson County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.

At an elevation of 8,281 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Radicchio to ensure they mature before fall.

Johnson County, WY (Zone 4a) Short season
127 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
127 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (26 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 1 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Aug 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 5 Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Aug 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 26 Transplant: Jun 7 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Sep 13

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 700 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Radicchio needs ~752 GDD — county provides 1,365 GDD Excellent fit

Radicchio Planting Timeline โ€” Johnson County, WY

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 19
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 โ€“ May 31
Direct Sow May 10 May 10 โ€“ May 31
Fall Sowing June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Jul 13
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Aug 23

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Fall Sowing
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August 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 4a

Growing Season

127 days

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, WY?

Johnson County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, WY?

Johnson County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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