When to plant Radicchio in Morrison County, MN
In Morrison County, plant Radicchio in spring between April 27 and May 18, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Morrison County's last frost averages May 4, so be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. For a fall crop, sow between July 14 and July 28 — roughly 60–80 days before the first frost on October 6.
When to Plant Radicchio in Morrison County, MN
What to do in July
July is a pivotal month for Morrison County, Minnesota gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick 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
Count back from your first frost (October 6) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
Coming up in August — 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.
Morrison County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 1,070 feet, Morrison County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radicchio to ensure they mature before fall.
Morrison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
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 Morrison County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) overlaps with Radicchio's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Morrison County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Radicchio will thrive.
How to Plant Radicchio
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radicchio
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 14.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Morrison 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 — Morrison County, MN
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Morrison County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Morrison County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after May 04 in Morrison 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 Morrison County, MN?
Morrison County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morrison County, MN?
Morrison County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Radicchio in Morrison County, MN?
In Morrison County, MN, plant Radicchio after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morrison County, MN for Radicchio?
Morrison County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Radicchio grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Radicchio grow in Morrison County's climate?
Yes — Radicchio grows well in Morrison County's temperate climate. Morrison County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 6.
Your Morrison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morrison County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.