Blog

When to Plant Radicchio in Chambers 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.

Chambers County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.

At an elevation of 1 feet, Chambers County receives approximately 66.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99Β°F, so Radicchio may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Radicchio will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.

Chambers County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
297 days
Last Spring Frost February 12
297 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Chambers County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

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 β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.3" 2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Chambers County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Radicchio Planting Timeline β€” Chambers County, TX

Radicchio Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors February 12 Feb 12 – Feb 26
Direct Sow January 22 Jan 22 – Feb 12
Harvest April 16 Apr 16 – May 21
Fall Sowing October 11 Oct 11 – Oct 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–80 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

πŸ“† Growing Season

297 days in Chambers County

Growing Tips for Chambers 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 Chambers County, TX?

Chambers County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chambers County, TX?

Chambers County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 6.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Chambers County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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