When to plant Radicchio in Baldwin County, AL
Plant Radicchio in Baldwin County after March 3; the prime window is February 10–March 3. A second sowing from September 29 to October 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radicchio in Baldwin County, AL
Your June gardening checklist
A quick June briefing for Baldwin County, Alabama gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Basket week: radicchio
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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.
Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 336 feet, Baldwin County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Radicchio may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — 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.
Baldwin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Radicchio Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Baldwin County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.2) is more acidic than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Baldwin County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Radicchio will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radicchio.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Radicchio.
How to Plant Radicchio
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radicchio
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 29.
Radicchio Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Radicchio
Radicchio needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Radicchio Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Baldwin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Radicchio Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Radicchio Planting Timeline — Baldwin County, AL
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Direct Sow | February 10 | Feb 10 – Mar 3 |
| Harvest | May 5 | May 5 – Jun 9 |
| Fall Sowing | September 29 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Baldwin County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Baldwin County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after March 03 in Baldwin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Baldwin County dries quickly — mulch Radicchio with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Radicchio in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Radicchio in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radicchio in Baldwin County, AL?
Baldwin County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baldwin County, AL?
Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.
When should I plant Radicchio in Baldwin County, AL?
In Baldwin County, AL, plant Radicchio after the last frost (around March 3) and before the first frost (around November 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Baldwin County, AL for Radicchio?
Baldwin County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Radicchio grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Radicchio grow in Baldwin County's climate?
Yes — Radicchio grows well in Baldwin County's temperate climate. Baldwin County averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 3 and first frost around November 24.
Your Baldwin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Baldwin County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.