When to Plant Radicchio in Clark County, NV
This month in Clark County, Nevada
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Clark County, Nevada this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Pick radicchio
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Get ahead of June
- 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.
Clark County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 268 days.
At an elevation of 2,811 feet, Clark County receives approximately 9.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 111°F, so Radicchio may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Radicchio will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Radicchio successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Clark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Clark County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.4) is more alkaline than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Clark County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Radicchio will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radicchio.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Radicchio.
How to Plant Radicchio
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radicchio
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 28.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 0.6" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 3" | 0.6" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 3" | 0.3" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3" | 0.2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.3" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 1.9" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1.2" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3" | 0.9" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3" | 0.5" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Clark 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 — Clark County, NV
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 28 |
| Harvest | May 2 | May 2 – Jun 6 |
| Fall Sowing | September 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
268 days in Clark County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Clark County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after February 28 in Clark County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Clark County dries quickly — mulch Radicchio with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 111°F in Clark County, provide afternoon shade for Radicchio and water deeply in the morning.
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
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Radicchio in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radicchio in Clark County, NV?
Clark County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clark County, NV?
Clark County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 23.
Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clark County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.