Days to Maturity: 110 to 120
A late-maturing radicchio rosso, originally known as Italian chicory, Vivaldi F1 Radicchio is a taprooted herb, grown as a leafy vegetable. The plant sets dense, round, dark red heads with white ribs, which add color and zest to dishes. Radicchio is especially nice in mixed salads or served as grilled wedges with cheese or nuts and drizzled with a sweet balsamic vinegar. A key food in the healthful Mediterranean diet, radicchio is loaded with vitamin K and is a source of vitamins A, C, E, B2, B3, B5, and B6. It also contains folate, choline, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.
A Rosso di Chioggia type of Cichorium intybus, Vivaldi F1 Radicchio is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is an herbaceous biennial, typically grown as an annual, that offers excellent yields.
Easy to grow from seed, radicchio grows best in locations with full sun and organically rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil having a neutral to alkaline pH. It grows best in cool weather and may struggle or go dormant in heat (above 77°F) and humidity.
A cool-season, winter-hardy vegetable, the toughest of the cool-season crops, one of the first to be planted in the garden, radicchio seed can be direct sown into the garden in late spring to midsummer. Seeds can also be started indoors 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting into the garden, spring and fall. Radicchio needs cold temperatures to germinate and grow (60° to 68°F), withstanding light frost and temperatures below 28°F. Row covers offer added protection from heavy frost. Mulching helps to moderate soil temperature and to maintain soil moisture.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
