When to Plant Radicchio in Santa Rosa County, FL
Santa Rosa County, Florida gardeners: here's your May plan
Each item below is timed to Santa Rosa County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Collect radicchio at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Santa Rosa County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.
At an elevation of 104 feet, Santa Rosa County receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
Santa Rosa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-5.8
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 Santa Rosa County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–5.8) is more acidic than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Santa Rosa 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 (1.7%). 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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Santa Rosa 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 — Santa Rosa County, FL
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Direct Sow | February 13 | Feb 13 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 12 |
| 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
260 days in Santa Rosa County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Santa Rosa County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after March 06 in Santa Rosa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa County, FL?
Santa Rosa County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Santa Rosa County, FL?
Santa Rosa County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 21.
Your Santa Rosa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Santa Rosa 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.