When to Plant Radicchio in Escambia County, AL
Top priorities for Escambia County, Alabama gardeners in May
May is a pivotal month for Escambia County, Alabama gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Basket week: radicchio
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: radicchio
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.
Escambia County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 263 days.
At an elevation of 229 feet, Escambia County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Radicchio may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Radicchio, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.
Escambia County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Escambia County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.2) is more acidic than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Escambia County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Radicchio.
How to Plant Radicchio
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radicchio
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 13.
Plant 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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Escambia 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 — Escambia County, AL
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Harvest | May 6 | May 6 – Jun 10 |
| Fall Sowing | September 13 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
263 days in Escambia County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Escambia County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after March 04 in Escambia County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Escambia County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Radicchio. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radicchio in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radicchio in Escambia County, AL?
Escambia County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Escambia County, AL?
Escambia County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 22.
Your Escambia County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Escambia County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.