Basics

Ease of Growing
Moderate
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
80 (Spring/Summer), 85-95 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Hardy

Radicchio is very cold hardy and frost resistant.

Crops
Spring, Fall Transplant, Fall
Growing Season
Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool

Radicchio tastes much better when grown in cold weather. In areas with cool summers radicchio can be treated like lettuce. Plant it 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Hot weather makes radicchio leaves intensely bitter, so in warm climates it is normally grown as a fall crop. It is started 8 to 12 weeks (depending upon the variety) before the first fall frost. Radicchio thrives in most soil types, but for easy harvesting, a loose, rich, and fairly moist soil is best.

Outdoor Growing Temp
45°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
45°F
-
Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool)

Full sun is important when Raddicio is growing in cool weather.

Part shade (Cool)

The plant is similar to Lettuce in many ways, including its tendency to turn bitter or bolt in hot weather. Radicchio will do better in part shade if your climate has warm spells.

Water
High

Radicchio is like lettuce in that it likes moist cool soil. Hot weather makes its leaves bitter.

Feeder
Moderate

For good growth the plants must have all the nutrients they need.

Suitability
Tolerates light frost, Partial shade, Needs summer shade
Small Gardens?
No
Containers?
Yes

Radicchio is well-suited for container growing. Choose a large container with a minimum depth of 6", and keep it to one plant for every 8 inches of container. Make sure that your container has drainage holes, and fill with a mixture of compost and potting soil. Water thoroughly and regularly, making sure the soil is moist. Keep out of full sun in warmer climates.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Creamy white with red wine red splashes
Fruit Size
- "
Plant Height
8.0 - 12.0"
Plant Diameter
6.0 - 8.0"
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Zesty flavor.

Rotation Group
Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens