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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR RADICCHIO
Binomial Name: Cichorium
Varieties: Rossa Di Treviso Precoce
Start: Seed or seedling
Germination: 7 - 10 days, 7°C to 30°C
Seed Life (viability): 5 years
Soil: Well drained
Sunlight: Full sun, part shade
Sow Seeds: 8 - 10cm apart
Transplant/Thin to: 25cm apart
Ave. Days to Harvest: 70 - 90
Good Companions: runner beans, carrot, fennel, lettuce, petunia, tomato, yarrow
Bad Companions: -
The small red and white heads of this chicory family member form best in cool weather. It is a staple in Italian salads with its bright color and bitter, but not overpowering, flavor.
Sowing & Growing: Radicchio is usually direct-seeded as transplants tend to go to seed (bolt) prematurely. Cultural requirements differ somewhat by variety, so consult seed sources for best practices. Even so, this crop can be somewhat unpredictable.
In general, plant older “forcing” varieties in spring and then cut back plants in late summer to produce heads about 4 to 6 weeks later. Newer “non-forcing” varieties do not need to be cut back and will form heads in fall or even in summer. They generally do not hold their quality as long as forcing varieties.
Direct-seed about 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost (non-forcing varieties can be sown through mid-summer for fall and winter harvest). Plant seeds 5mm to 1cm deep, 8 to 10cm apart, in rows 60cm apart. Thin to 25cm spacings. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Also mulch the crowns from already harvested plants. If conditions are mild you may get an additional harvest in spring.
Harvesting: Radicchio matures in approximately 3 months. It should be picked when it is mature but not old. The older it gets the tougher and more bitter the vegetable will be.
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