When to plant Radicchio in Brown County, KS
Spring Radicchio in Brown County goes in April 9–April 30, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radicchio in Brown County, KS
What to do in July
Each item below is timed to Brown County, Kansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
-
Pick radicchio
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- Fall sowing: 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.
Brown County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 485 feet, Brown County receives approximately 29.4 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.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
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 Brown County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.8) is more alkaline than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Brown 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 (3.7%). 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 Jul 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 02.
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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.8" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Brown 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 — Brown County, KS
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Brown County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Brown County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after April 23 in Brown 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 Brown County, KS?
Brown County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, KS?
Brown County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Radicchio in Brown County, KS?
In Brown County, KS, plant Radicchio after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Brown County, KS for Radicchio?
Brown 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 Brown County's climate?
Yes — Radicchio grows well in Brown County's temperate climate. Brown County averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 11.
Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Brown 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.