When to plant Radicchio in Floyd County, KY
Floyd County gardeners should plant Radicchio between April 7 and April 28 in spring. With Floyd County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 21), Radicchio needs 60–80 days to mature — plant by August 2 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radicchio in Floyd County, KY
This month in Floyd County, Kentucky
Your Floyd County, Kentucky garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: radicchio
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Floyd County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 2,218 feet, Floyd County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.
Floyd County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
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 Floyd County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.1) overlaps with Radicchio's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Floyd County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Radicchio Water Budget
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Floyd 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 — Floyd County, KY
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 |
| 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Floyd County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Floyd County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after April 21 in Floyd 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 Floyd County, KY?
Floyd County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Floyd County, KY?
Floyd County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Radicchio in Floyd County, KY?
In Floyd County, KY, plant Radicchio after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Floyd County, KY for Radicchio?
Floyd 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 Floyd County's climate?
Yes — Radicchio grows well in Floyd County's temperate climate. Floyd County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 21.
Your Floyd County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Floyd 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.