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When to Plant Radicchio in Austin County, TX

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.

Austin County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.

At an elevation of 350 feet, Austin County receives approximately 68.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.

Austin County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
274 days
Last Spring Frost February 28
274 growing days
First Fall Frost November 29

Austin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Radicchio Planting Timeline — Austin County, TX

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 – Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 14
Direct Sow February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 28
Harvest May 2 May 2 – Jun 6
Fall Sowing October 4 Oct 4 – Oct 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

274 days in Austin County

Growing Tips for Austin 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 Austin County, TX?

Austin County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Austin County, TX?

Austin County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 29.

🌱

Your Austin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Austin County (Zone 9a). 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 Austin County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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