When to Plant Radicchio in Clermont County, OH
Clermont County, Ohio 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 Clermont County, Ohio.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: radicchio
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Clermont County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.
At an elevation of 798 feet, Clermont County receives approximately 30.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season.
Clermont County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Clermont County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Radicchio's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clermont County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Radicchio will thrive.
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 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 13.
Plant 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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clermont 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 — Clermont County, OH
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
188 days in Clermont County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Clermont County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after April 17 in Clermont 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 Clermont County, OH?
Clermont County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clermont County, OH?
Clermont County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Clermont County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clermont 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.