When to Plant Radicchio in King 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.
King County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 3,170 feet, King County receives approximately 60.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Radicchio may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — 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.
King County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Radicchio Planting Timeline — King County, TX
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jul 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
221 days in King County
Growing Tips for King 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
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Radicchio in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radicchio in King County, TX?
King County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is King County, TX?
King County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your King County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for King County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.