Radicchio – Rouge De Verona (60-80 Seeds)

Cichorium intybus var. foliosum – Rouge De Verona

• Growing Temp 50°F – 75°F

• Days to Maturity 75-90 days

Bold flavor, crisp texture, and cool-weather resilience: Rouge De Verona Radicchio is an Italian heirloom variety prized for its deep red, tightly packed heads with a pleasantly bitter taste. It is easy to grow in cooler conditions, developing its best color and flavor after exposure to frost. Ideal for fresh salads, grilling, or sautéing, this radicchio adds a gourmet touch to meals.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly into well-draining soil in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 8–12 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart. Keep the soil evenly moist to encourage germination, which takes 7–14 days. As seedlings develop, thin them to the strongest plants for optimal growth.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost for an earlier harvest. Use seed trays with nutrient-rich potting mix, planting seeds 1/4 inch deep. Maintain temperatures between 60–70°F for steady germination. Once seedlings have a few true leaves, harden them off before transplanting outdoors, spacing them 8–12 inches apart in full sun.

Harvesting: Radicchio is ready to harvest when heads are firm and fully formed, typically 75–90 days after sowing. Cooler temperatures intensify its red color and flavor. Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife, leaving roots intact for potential regrowth. If harvesting in late fall, allow light frost exposure to enhance sweetness and reduce bitterness.