When to Plant Radicchio in Morris County, NJ
Morris County, New Jersey gardeners: here's your May plan
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Morris County, New Jersey.
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Time to start radicchio inside
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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It's harvest week for radicchio
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in 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.
Morris County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 227 feet, Morris County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season.
Morris County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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 Morris County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) is more acidic than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Morris County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). 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 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Morris 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 — Morris County, NJ
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 – Jul 5 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Morris County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Morris County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after March 29 in Morris 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 Morris County, NJ?
Morris County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morris County, NJ?
Morris County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Morris County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Morris County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.