When to plant Radicchio in Atchison County County,
Aim to plant Radicchio in Atchison County County on or after April 3; the window stays open through April 24. Atchison County County's 187-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radicchio in Atchison County, KS
June to-do list for Atchison County, Kansas
Here's what deserves your attention in Atchison County, Kansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start harvesting radicchio
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 678 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radicchio to ensure they mature before fall.
Atchison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
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 Atchison County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.8) is more alkaline than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Atchison County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radicchio.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). 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 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Radicchio 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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 2.5" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.9" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Atchison 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 — Atchison County, KS
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Atchison County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Atchison County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after April 17 in Atchison 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 Atchison County, KS?
Atchison County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Atchison County, KS?
Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Radicchio in Atchison County, ?
In Atchison County, , plant Radicchio after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Atchison County, for Radicchio?
Atchison County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Radicchio grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Radicchio grow in Atchison County's climate?
Yes — Radicchio grows well in Atchison County's temperate climate. Atchison County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 21.
Your Atchison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Atchison County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.