When to Plant Radicchio in Bedford County, VA
Your May gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Bedford County, Virginia this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start radicchio indoors
You're about 24 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Bedford County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 414 feet, Bedford County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Bedford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 Bedford County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Radicchio's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bedford County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Radicchio.
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 Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 13.
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bedford 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 — Bedford County, VA
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
182 days in Bedford County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Bedford County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after April 23 in Bedford 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 Bedford County, VA?
Bedford County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bedford County, VA?
Bedford County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Bedford County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bedford 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.