Radicchio is a type of chicory plant that is grown for its bitter-tasting leaves. It is a member of the chicory family, which also includes endive, escarole, and frisée. Radicchio has a deep red or purple color, with white veins running through its leaves. The leaves are slightly bitter and have a crunchy texture when eaten raw. Radicchio is often used as a salad green, but can also be cooked and used in a variety of dishes. It is a popular vegetable in Italian cuisine. Radicchio plants are hardy and can be grown in most climates. They require full sun and regular watering, and should be harvested when the heads are firm and the leaves are bright in color.
Planning Your Garden With Radicchio
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Radicchio is a biennial. |
| USDA Zone | Radicchio is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Radicchio is a cold-hardy crop and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C). |
| Days to harvest | Radicchio typically takes between 60 and 90 days to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown radicchio plant is about 12-18 inches in height and 12-18 inches in width. |
| Spacing requirements | Radicchio is best grown in well-drained soil with a spacing of 8 to 10 inches between plants. |
| Sun tolerance | Radicchio is a cool-season crop that can tolerate some sun, but it prefers partial shade. It is best grown in temperatures between 55-65ºF (13-18ºC). |
| Shade tolerance | Radicchio is a shade-tolerant plant that can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun. It is best grown in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. |
| Water requirements | Radicchio requires consistently moist soil, but not overly wet. Water the plant every 5-7 days, making sure to water deeply. Radicchio should receive 1-2 inches of water per week. If the soil is allowed to dry out too much, the heads will become bitter. During hot, dry weather, water more frequently. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer used when growing radicchio will depend on the soil type and fertility. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing radicchio is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Radicchio is Popular
People like to grow radicchio because it is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. It has a slightly bitter flavor that adds depth to many dishes, and its vibrant, colorful leaves make it a visually appealing addition to salads and other dishes. Radicchio is also relatively easy to grow and is a great addition to any home garden.
Companion Plants For Radicchio
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for radicchio include:
Common Pests For Radicchio
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow radicchio, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- snails
- aphids
- slugs
- spider mites
- beetles
- caterpillars
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
