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When to Plant Radicchio in Fairbanks, Alaska (99708)

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

ZIP Code

99708

USDA Zone

2a

Last Frost

Monday, June 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Monday, May 4, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Monday, May 18, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, June 1, 2026 · Zone 2a

Pro tip: Start Radicchio seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Monday, May 18, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Cichorium intybus
Days to Maturity 80 days
Mature Height 6-12"
Spread 10"
Type Head
Fruit Size Small-Medium (fist-sized head)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Regular (keep moist)

↔️

Spacing

10" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Radicchio in Fairbanks?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, May 4, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CarrotRadishLettuce
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Radicchio

See which plants help Radicchio thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow plants to bolt in year 2 and seed heads to dry on the stalk.

Processing

Cut dried stalks, thresh and winnow to separate seeds.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Radicchio is a chicory — crosses with endive, escarole, and wild chicory. Isolate by 300 feet.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 46 plants of Radicchio. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Radicchio in Fairbanks, Alaska? +

In Fairbanks (Zone 2a), start Radicchio seeds indoors around Monday, May 4, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Monday, May 18, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska (ZIP 99708) is around Monday, June 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2a.

How long does Radicchio take to grow? +

Radicchio typically matures in about 80 days from transplanting. In Fairbanks, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, May 18, 2026 plus 80 days.

Should I start Radicchio indoors or direct sow in Alaska? +

Radicchio should be started indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. In Fairbanks, that means starting around Monday, May 4, 2026.

Other Plants for Fairbanks

Growing Radicchio in Zone 2a

Radicchio (Cichorium intybus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fairbanks, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a, you should start seeds indoors around Monday, May 4, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, June 1, 2026. Plan to transplant your Radicchio seedlings outdoors around Monday, May 18, 2026, about -2 weeks after your last frost date.