When to Plant Radicchio in Cheshire County, NH
Your April planting checklist for Cheshire County, New Hampshire
April rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
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Outdoor sowing time: radicchio
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
May prep starts now
- Transplants going out: 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.
Cheshire County, New Hampshire is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 708 feet, Cheshire County receives approximately 47 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season.
Cheshire County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.5
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 Cheshire County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.5) is more acidic than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cheshire County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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 Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 01.
Plant 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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cheshire 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 — Cheshire County, NH
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Cheshire County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Cheshire County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after May 08 in Cheshire 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 Cheshire County, NH?
Cheshire County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cheshire County, NH?
Cheshire County, New Hampshire is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Cheshire County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cheshire County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.