When to plant Radicchio in Wright County, MN
Radicchio planted in Wright County between April 24 and May 15 matures in 60–80 days — well before the October 6 first frost. A second sowing from July 14 to July 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radicchio in Wright County, MN
What to do in June
Your garden in Wright County, Minnesota is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Begin indoor sowing: radicchio
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: radicchio
- 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.
Wright County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 997 feet, Wright County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radicchio to ensure they mature before fall.
Wright County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.2
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 Wright County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.2) overlaps with Radicchio's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wright County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Wright 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 — Wright County, MN
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Wright County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Wright County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after May 01 in Wright 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 Wright County, MN?
Wright County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wright County, MN?
Wright County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Radicchio in Wright County, MN?
In Wright County, MN, plant Radicchio after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wright County, MN for Radicchio?
Wright County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Radicchio grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Radicchio grow in Wright County's climate?
Yes — Radicchio grows well in Wright County's temperate climate. Wright County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 6.
Your Wright County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wright County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.