Radicchio

Radicchio
(Also known as Red-Hearted Chicory)
Add a splash of Italian flair to your garden! Radicchio forms striking maroon-red heads with crisp white veins and green outer leaves — a true showstopper in any salad. With its deliciously tangy, slightly bitter flavour, it’s a favourite among chefs and perfect for adventurous home growers. Hardy, elegant, and full of Mediterranean charm!

Harvest
Ready in around 80 days after planting. For the best flavour, harvest before leaves become too mature, as they can turn quite bitter if left too long.

Growing Instructions

• Spacing: Plant 30cm apart to allow full, round heads to develop.

• Positioning: Choose a sunny but sheltered spot for the strongest colour and growth.

• Watering: Keep well watered until established and during dry weather to prevent tough leaves.

Top Tips

• Temperature Boost: Cooler weather deepens the red colour — perfect for late-summer or autumn crops.

• Flavour Tip: To mellow bitterness, soak leaves briefly in cold water before serving.

• Harvest Trick: Cut whole heads just above the soil to encourage a second, smaller crop.

• Culinary Use: Slice finely into salads for a pop of colour, or grill lightly with olive oil for a rich, smoky sweetness.