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When to plant Radicchio in Pasco County, FL

For Radicchio in Pasco County, the safe spring window opens around January 4 and closes around January 25. Last expected frost is January 25, first fall frost December 16, giving a 326-day growing season. A second sowing from October 21 to November 4 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Radicchio in Pasco County, FL

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.

Pasco County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.

At an elevation of 321 feet, Pasco County receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°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.

Pasco County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
325 days
Last Spring Frost January 25
325 growing days
First Fall Frost December 16

Pasco County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Radicchio

Radicchio needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Radicchio Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Pasco County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Radicchio Planting Timeline — Pasco County, FL

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 28 Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Outdoors January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 8
Direct Sow January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 25
Harvest March 29 Mar 29 – May 3
Fall Sowing October 21 Oct 21 – Nov 4

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors
March Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November Fall Sowing
December Start Indoors

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

325 days in Pasco County

Growing Tips for Pasco County

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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Radicchio in Pasco County, FL?

Pasco County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pasco County, FL?

Pasco County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 16.

When should I plant Radicchio in Pasco County, FL?

In Pasco County, FL, plant Radicchio after the last frost (around January 25) and before the first frost (around December 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pasco County, FL for Radicchio?

Pasco County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Radicchio grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Radicchio grow in Pasco County's climate?

Yes — Radicchio grows well in Pasco County's temperate climate. Pasco County averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 25 and first frost around December 16.

🌱

Your Pasco County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pasco County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pasco County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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