VegetablesModerate CarePet Safe
Radicchio
Cichorium intybus (Rossa group)
Radicchio forms tight heads of wine-red, white-veined leaves with a pleasantly bitter taste, used in salads and grilled. It colours best in cool fall weather.
Botanical FamilyAsteraceae
Native RegionItaly
Growth RateModerate
Mature Size15–25 cm (6–10 in) tall
Bloom PeriodBolts in heat
Common NamesItalian chicory, Red chicory
Photo: Kritzolina · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, Partial sun
Watering
Moderate
Keep the soil evenly moist.
Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0.
Temperature and humidity
-5–25 °C · Moderate humidity
Feeding
Light feeding with compost.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by seed
No pruning needed.
Radicchio is safe to eat.
Top Cultivation Tips
Sow in midsummer for a fall crop.
Cold nights deepen the red colour.
Soak cut leaves in cold water to reduce bitterness.
Grill halves with olive oil.
