When to plant Radicchio in Collier County County,
Collier County County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Plant Radicchio between December 22 (after last frost on January 1) and January 12. A second sowing from February 18 to March 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radicchio in Collier County, FL
Your June gardening checklist
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Collier County, Florida this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Survive, don't thrive
June-August is endurance gardening. Keep okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and southern peas alive. Harvest everything daily before the heat damages produce on the vine.
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Start fall tomato seeds indoors
Yes, indoors — under lights or in AC. They'll be ready to transplant in August when temperatures briefly moderate.
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Add compost to empty beds
Empty beds get a thick layer of compost + mulch to suppress weeds and feed the soil for fall planting.
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.
Collier County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 93 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Collier County receives approximately 61.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. 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.
Collier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil Compatibility in Collier County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Collier 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 (1.3%). 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.
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" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Collier 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 — Collier County, FL
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 15 | Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Direct Sow | December 22 | Dec 22 – Jan 12 |
| Harvest | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 20 |
| Fall Sowing | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Fall Sowing |
| March | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
93 days in Collier County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Collier County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after January 12 in Collier County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Collier 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 Collier County, FL?
Collier County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 12. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Collier County, FL?
Collier County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and first fall frost is .
When should I plant Radicchio in Collier County, ?
In Collier County, , plant Radicchio after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Collier County, for Radicchio?
Collier County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Radicchio grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Radicchio grow in Collier County's climate?
Yes — Radicchio grows well in Collier County's temperate climate. Collier County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Collier County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Collier County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.