When to Plant Radicchio in Hood River County, OR
This month in Hood River County, Oregon
Your Hood River County, Oregon garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Start radicchio indoors
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Hood River County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.
At an elevation of 127 feet, Hood River County receives approximately 50.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Radicchio during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.
Hood River County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Hood River County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Radicchio's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hood River County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — 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 Jul 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 10.
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 | — | 8.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3" | 0.9" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 0.8" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 2.2" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 7.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 7.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hood River 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 — Hood River County, OR
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
188 days in Hood River County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Hood River County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after April 14 in Hood River 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 Hood River County, OR?
Hood River County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hood River County, OR?
Hood River County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Hood River County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hood River County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.