When to plant Radicchio in Sharp County, AR
Sharp County gardeners should plant Radicchio between March 12 and April 2 in spring. With Sharp County's Zone 7b climate (last frost March 26), Radicchio needs 60–80 days to mature — plant by August 14 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 24 to September 7 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radicchio in Sharp County, AR
What to do in July
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
It's harvest week for radicchio
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
August prep starts now
- Fall sowing: 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.
Sharp County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 674 feet, Sharp County receives approximately 50.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.
Sharp County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 Sharp County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.0) overlaps with Radicchio's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sharp County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sharp 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 — Sharp County, AR
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Sharp County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Sharp County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after March 26 in Sharp County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Sharp County, AR?
Sharp County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sharp County, AR?
Sharp County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 2.
When should I plant Radicchio in Sharp County, AR?
In Sharp County, AR, plant Radicchio after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sharp County, AR for Radicchio?
Sharp County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Radicchio grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Radicchio grow in Sharp County's climate?
Yes — Radicchio grows well in Sharp County's temperate climate. Sharp County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 2.
Your Sharp County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sharp County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.