How to Grow Catalogna da Tagliare
Wikimedia Commons
Catalogna da Tagliare
Cichorium intybus var. catalogna
vegetableCatalogna da Tagliare is an Italian heirloom chicory variety prized for its tender, deeply lobed leaves and mild flavor. Also known as Puntarelle or asparagus chicory, it produces elongated shoots with feathery foliage that can be harvested repeatedly throughout the season. This cool-season crop is a staple in Italian cuisine, particularly in Roman dishes.
When should you plant Catalogna da Tagliare in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Catalogna da Tagliare timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Catalogna da Tagliare
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Catalogna da Tagliare
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Catalogna da Tagliare dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8; grows well in cooler climates and extends into fall and winter
Sign up free to see if Catalogna da Tagliare grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Catalogna da Tagliare timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny serrated cotyledons emerge, followed by the first true leaves with characteristic lobed shape.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once they have 2-3 true leaves. Protect from slugs and snails.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops a rosette of deeply cut, feathery leaves. Stems elongate gradually and foliage becomes increasingly lobed and ornamental.
Water regularly and consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks or use compost side-dressing. Begin selective leaf harvesting once plant is well-established.
Shoot Development
2-3 weeksTender shoots with clustered, delicate leaves begin to emerge from the center. These shoots are the primary harvest target.
Continue consistent watering. Remove outer leaves to encourage central shoot development. Harvest shoots regularly to promote branching.
Mature Harvest
4-8 weeks or until frostMultiple tender shoots reach 6-12 inches tall with densely packed, feathery leaflets at the tips. Plant looks lush and vigorous.
Harvest shoots at the base when 6-12 inches long, in the morning for best crispness. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production.
Late Season/Dormancy
Until first hard frostAs temperatures drop or daylength shortens, growth slows. Plant becomes sweeter and more tender as cold temperatures convert starches to sugars.
Continue harvesting until hard frost. In mild climates, provide shade cloth in summer if temperature exceeds 75°F to prevent bolting.
Common Pests
-
and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use beer traps, copper barriers, or diatomaceous earth. Encourage natural predators like beetles.
-
Use floating row covers on young plants. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Plant resistant companion plants nearby.
-
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
-
Hand-pick caterpillars. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if infestation is severe. Use row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs.
-
and
Ensure excellent drainage. Avoid overhead watering. Rotate crops. Remove affected plants promptly. Apply fungicide if necessary.
Uses
Roman Puntarelle Salad
CulinaryThe tender shoots are the star of the classic Roman dish Puntarelle alla Romana, where they are sliced lengthwise and served raw with an anchovy-garlic vinaigrette. The shoots curl when soaked in ice water, creating an appealing presentation. [source]
Cooked Greens
CulinaryShoots and leaves can be blanched, sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or added to soups and pasta dishes. The flavor is mild and slightly bitter, similar to radicchio but more delicate. [source]
Digestive Tonic
MedicinalTraditional herbalism uses chicory roots and leaves as a bitter digestive aid to stimulate appetite and support liver function. Contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber beneficial for gut health. [source]
Chicory Root Coffee
HouseholdWhile Catalogna da Tagliare is primarily grown for shoots and leaves, chicory roots can be roasted and ground as a caffeine-free coffee substitute or additive. [source]
Pollinator Nectar
WildlifeIf left to flower, the delicate blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it valuable in a pollinator garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves once the plant is 6-8 weeks old. Pinch or cut central shoots when they reach 6-12 inches tall, harvesting in the morning for best texture and flavor. Regular harvesting promotes continued shoot production throughout the season. In Italian tradition, the shoots are harvested repeatedly from the same plant over many weeks. Can be harvested until the first hard frost. For best tenderness, harvest shoots before temperatures exceed 75°F.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Catalogna da Tagliare means 'Catalogna for cutting' in Italian, referring to its habit of producing multiple harvestable shoots from a single plant over several months.
- 🌱 This variety is a relative of the common dandelion and endive, all belonging to the Cichorium genus, and shares similar nutritional and medicinal properties.
- 🌱 In Italy, Catalogna da Tagliare is considered a specialty vegetable, particularly in Rome and the Lazio region, where it has been cultivated for centuries and remains a restaurant favorite.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Catalogna da Tagliare planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Catalogna da Tagliare seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Catalogna da Tagliare timeline →