When to Plant Radicchio in Scotland County, NC
This month in Scotland County, North Carolina
Your Scotland County, North Carolina garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Harvest radicchio as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Scotland County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Scotland County receives approximately 42.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Radicchio, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Scotland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 Scotland County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) is more acidic than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Scotland County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
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" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Scotland 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 — Scotland County, NC
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
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 |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Scotland County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Scotland County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after March 23 in Scotland County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Scotland County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Radicchio. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Scotland County, NC?
Scotland County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scotland County, NC?
Scotland County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Scotland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Scotland County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.