Radicchio

Radicchio grows best in fertile, well-drained loam with a pH around 6.0-7.0 and a modest compost application. Keep moisture steady as heads form; many heading varieties develop better color and less bitterness in cool fall weather.

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

12 in

First harvest

65–100 days

Tips

• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and thin heading varieties to 10-12 inches apart.
• Water at the soil surface whenever the top inch dries, avoiding cycles of drought and soaking.
• Side-dress lightly with nitrogen fertilizer once plants are established if growth is pale or slow.
• Check leaf undersides for aphids and remove slugs hiding beneath outer leaves.
• Cut firm heads at soil level before they loosen or send up a flower stalk.