How to Grow Catalogna Gigante
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Catalogna Gigante
Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
vegetableCatalogna Gigante is a large-leafed Italian chicory (radicchio) variety prized for its elongated, deeply lobed leaves with prominent white ribs and tender hearts. It combines the slightly bitter flavor of chicory with a tender, leafy texture suitable for salads, braising, and cooking. This vigorous heirloom variety is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.
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Example Catalogna Gigante timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Catalogna Gigante
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Catalogna Gigante
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Catalogna Gigante dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; can grow in 3b and 9a with season timing adjustments
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Get my Catalogna Gigante timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysTiny cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days. First true leaves appear lobed and narrow.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Provide bright light to prevent legginess.
Vegetative Growth
30-45 daysRosette of deeply lobed, green leaves develops with prominent white ribs and midveins. Plant grows outward and upward.
Maintain consistent watering and weekly feeding with balanced fertilizer. Remove any damaged or yellowed outer leaves. Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation.
Mature Rosette
15-30 daysLarge, full rosette with 12-18 large lobed leaves, reaching 12-16 inches in height. Heart becomes tender and tightly formed as outer leaves mature.
Continue regular watering. In hot weather, provide afternoon shade to prevent bolting. Check for pests and diseases weekly.
Harvest-Ready
Variable; peak harvest in cool seasonPlant reaches full size with compact heart and full outer leaves ready for picking. Leaves are tender and slightly sweet at core.
Monitor weather; cool fall conditions improve flavor. Harvest outer leaves gradually or cut entire head at base.
Post-Harvest Regrowth
14-21 days between harvestsIf harvested by removing outer leaves only, new growth emerges from center, extending production.
Continue watering and feeding. Successive harvests possible over 4-6 weeks if frost does not arrive.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; neem oil; spinosad spray; encourage beneficial insects
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Water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; ladybug release
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and
Hand-pick at dusk; copper tape barriers; beer traps; diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; sulfur dust; baking soda spray; remove infected leaves
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Space plants well; reduce humidity; avoid wet foliage; copper fungicide; resistant varieties
Uses
Raw salads and grilled preparations
CulinaryTender inner leaves are excellent in salads with vinaigrette; outer leaves and hearts are superb grilled with olive oil and garlic, or braised in broth. The slight bitterness balances rich dressings and pairs well with cheese and nuts. [source]
Italian braising and risotto
CulinaryA classic ingredient in Italian cuisine, Catalogna is braised with garlic and olive oil, or added to polenta and pasta dishes. Chopped leaves add bitter complexity to risotto and soups. [source]
Digestive and liver support
MedicinalChicory root and leaves contain inulin and other compounds traditionally used to support digestive health and bile production. The bitter compounds stimulate appetite and may aid nutrient absorption. [source]
Homemade coffee substitute
HouseholdRoasted, dried chicory root can be ground and brewed as a caffeine-free coffee substitute or coffee extender, a centuries-old European tradition. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect food
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt and flower, Catalogna produces attractive blue flowers attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowers also feed beneficial predatory insects. [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 when plant is 8-10 inches tall, or wait for full maturity at 12-16 inches. Cut leaves at base with clean knife, leaving center intact for regrowth. For full-head harvest, cut 1-2 inches above soil line. Harvest in morning after dew dries. In cool fall weather, flavor is best; spring growth may bolt quickly. Use within days of harvest for peak crispness, or store in refrigerator (32-40°F) in perforated plastic for up to 2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Catalogna Gigante is called 'Puntarelle' in Rome when young shoots and leaves are harvested; these tender shoots are a beloved traditional Roman delicacy dressed simply with anchovy vinaigrette.
- 🌱 The deeply lobed leaf structure is a genetic adaptation to chicory's Mediterranean origins, maximizing surface area for photosynthesis in intense sunlight while reducing water loss.
- 🌱 Chicory (Cichorium intybus) has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and appears in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman texts as both food and medicine; wild chicory still grows throughout Europe and has naturalized across North America.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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