When to plant Radicchio in Leon County, FL
Plant Radicchio in Leon County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 18. Continue planting through March 11 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 26 to October 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radicchio in Leon County, FL
What to do in June
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Leon County, Florida.
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Basket week: radicchio
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Leon County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.
At an elevation of 250 feet, Leon County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand 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.
Leon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.7
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 Leon County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.7) is more acidic than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Leon 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.
Succession Planting Radicchio
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 26.
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Leon 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 — Leon County, FL
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 17 |
| Fall Sowing | September 26 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
255 days in Leon County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Leon County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after March 11 in Leon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Leon 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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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radicchio in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radicchio in Leon County, FL?
Leon County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Leon County, FL?
Leon County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 21.
When should I plant Radicchio in Leon County, FL?
In Leon County, FL, plant Radicchio after the last frost (around March 11) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Leon County, FL for Radicchio?
Leon 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 Leon County's climate?
Yes — Radicchio grows well in Leon County's temperate climate. Leon County averages a 255-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 11 and first frost around November 21.
Your Leon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Leon 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.