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When to plant Radicchio in Boyd County, KY

Plant Radicchio in Boyd County from April 6 to April 27 in spring. Boyd County sits in USDA Zone 7a, with last frost around April 20 and first frost on October 23. A second sowing from August 14 to August 28 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Radicchio in Boyd County, KY

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.

Boyd County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 2,124 feet, Boyd County receives approximately 46.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season.

Boyd County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Boyd County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

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 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Radicchio Planting Timeline — Boyd County, KY

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 – Jul 27
Fall Sowing August 14 Aug 14 – Aug 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Boyd County

Growing Tips for Boyd 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 Boyd County, KY?

Boyd County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boyd County, KY?

Boyd County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Radicchio in Boyd County, KY?

In Boyd County, KY, plant Radicchio after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Boyd County, KY for Radicchio?

Boyd County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Radicchio grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Radicchio grow in Boyd County's climate?

Yes — Radicchio grows well in Boyd County's temperate climate. Boyd County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 23.

🌱

Your Boyd County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Boyd County (Zone 7a). 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 Boyd County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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