Radicchio is the beautiful red-and-white chicory that brings colour and a pleasant bitterness to winter salads, and mellows to sweetness when grilled. Cool weather is the secret to a tight, colourful head.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun to part shade
- Spacing: 25–30 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 23 cm+ depth
- Time to harvest: 10–14 weeks
When to plant: Radicchio colours up and hearts in the cool — sow from summer to autumn for an autumn–winter harvest. Cold weather deepens the red and reduces bitterness. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing it in a raised bed: Sow directly or plant seedlings into rich mix. The heads form and colour best as the weather cools, so time it for a cool finish.
Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist; steady growth gives firmer, sweeter heads.
Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and slugs and snails. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.
Common diseases: the main one is downy mildew, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.
Companion plants: Grows well with other salad greens and quick crops. See our companion planting guide.
Harvest and storage: Cut the firm head at the base once it's well-coloured. It keeps for a week or two in the fridge; grill or roast to tame the bitterness.
More growing guides: endive, lettuce and lamb's lettuce.
Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: Goldlocki, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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