When to Plant Radicchio in Jackson County, TX
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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.
Jackson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 21 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 287 days.
At an elevation of 286 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 64.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Radicchio may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radicchio root diseases.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Radicchio 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 Jackson County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) overlaps with Radicchio's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jackson County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radicchio.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Radicchio.
How to Plant Radicchio
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radicchio
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 10.
Radicchio 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 10.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Jackson 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 — Jackson County, TX
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Direct Sow | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 21 |
| Harvest | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 30 |
| Fall Sowing | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
287 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Jackson County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after February 21 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Jackson County, provide afternoon shade for Radicchio and water deeply in the morning.
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 Jackson County, TX?
Jackson County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 21. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, TX?
Jackson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 21 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.