When to plant Radicchio in Phillips County, KS
Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Plant Radicchio between April 15 (after last frost on April 29) and May 6. A second sowing from August 1 to August 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radicchio in Phillips County, KS
Your August gardening checklist
A quick August briefing for Phillips County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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It's harvest week for radicchio
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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Plant your fall garden: radicchio
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
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.
Phillips County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 929 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 32.1 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.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.5
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 Phillips County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.5) is more alkaline than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Phillips County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Radicchio will thrive.
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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 01.
Radicchio Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Phillips 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 — Phillips County, KS
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
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 Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Phillips County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Phillips County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after April 29 in Phillips 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 Phillips County, KS?
Phillips County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, KS?
Phillips County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.
When should I plant Radicchio in Phillips County, KS?
In Phillips County, KS, plant Radicchio after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phillips County, KS for Radicchio?
Phillips 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 Phillips County's climate?
Yes — Radicchio grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 10.
Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips 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.