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When to Plant Radicchio in Washington County, OH

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.

Washington County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 803 feet, Washington County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season.

Washington County, OH (Zone 6b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Radicchio

Radicchio needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" 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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Radicchio Planting Timeline — Washington County, OH

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Direct Sow April 14 Apr 14 – May 5
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Aug 4
Fall Sowing August 10 Aug 10 – Aug 24

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington County

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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Radicchio in Washington County, OH?

Washington County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, OH?

Washington County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 19.

🌱

Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Washington 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Washington County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.