Heirloom Radicchio Seed

Seeds or Seedlings 7 to 10 days, 45F to 85F 5 years Well Drained Full Sun, Part Shade 3" to 4" apart 10" apart 70 to 90

Growing Guide
GROWING NOTES
Benefits from partial shade during hot weather.

Tender perennial grown as annual.

Requires careful timing and still may be unpredictable.

Most varieties are red with white midribs and veins.

MAINTAINING
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, then cut back plants in late summer to produce heads about 4 to 6 weeks later. Newer “nonforcing” 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. (Nonforcing varieties can be sown through through mid-summer for fall and winter harvest.) Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep, 3 to 4 inches apart, in rows 24 inches apart. Thin to 10-inch spacings.

Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Mulch crowns from harvested plants. If conditions are mild, you may get an additional harvest in spring.