How to Grow Chicory and Radicchio
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Chicory and Radicchio
Cichorium intybus
vegetableChicory and radicchio are closely related leafy vegetables belonging to the same species, prized for their slightly bitter, complex flavors and striking appearance. Radicchio refers to the tight-headed red varieties, while chicory encompasses broader-leaved types used fresh or forced for pale, tender shoots. Both are cool-season crops that become sweeter after light frost.
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Example Chicory and Radicchio timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chicory and Radicchio
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 Chicory and Radicchio
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chicory and Radicchio dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-8 are ideal; grows as cool-season crop in warmer regions
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Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with first true leaves appearing at 7-10 days. Seedlings are delicate with thin stems and narrow cotyledons.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Use grow lights if starting indoors.
Vegetative Growth
30-50 daysPlant develops rosette of lobed or elongated leaves. Radicchio begins forming loose heads; chicory produces leafy mounds.
Water deeply and regularly. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Thin weeds carefully to avoid disturbing shallow roots. Monitor for nutrient deficiencies.
Head Formation & Maturation
20-30 daysRadicchio tightens into increasingly compact, dense heads with deepening red color. Chicory may begin forming tighter heads depending on variety.
Continue consistent watering and feeding. For radicchio, blanching optional—wrapping heads in burlap or newspaper for 3-5 days before harvest increases tenderness and sweetness. Watch for bolting signals.
Pre-Harvest & Flavor Development
5-10 days before harvestHeads reach full size and firmness. After light frost, sugars concentrate, reducing bitterness noticeably.
Light frost (28-32°F) improves flavor significantly—do not harvest before first frost if possible. Check soil moisture remains adequate. Avoid damage to outer leaves.
Harvest & Storage
Ongoing through seasonHeads are firm and fully colored. Ready for cutting and use.
Cut heads at soil level with sharp knife. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Store in cool (32-40°F), humid location; lasts 2-4 weeks. Some growers force chicory roots indoors for pale blanched shoots ('chicons') in winter.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers until plants are established. Neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed. Plant trap crops like arugula nearby.
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Remove debris and mulch that harbor them. Handpick in early morning/evening. Beer traps or copper barriers effective. Encourage ground beetles.
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Strong water spray dislodges many. Insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations. Attract parasitic wasps with alyssum and cilantro.
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Crop rotation essential. Destroy crop residue. Monitor roots for larvae. Soil insecticides if severe; consider resistant varieties.
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Sulfur spray or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water) for early stages.
Uses
Fresh Salads & Grilling
CulinaryRadicchio's firm heads slice cleanly for salads and hold up well when grilled or roasted. The bitter flavor mellows with cooking and pairs beautifully with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and cheese. [source]
Chicory Root Beverage & Forcing
CulinaryDried, roasted chicory root serves as a coffee substitute or additive with a nutty flavor. Forced chicory shoots ('chicons') are prized as tender winter delicacy in European cuisine. [source]
Digestive & Liver Support
MedicinalChicory root contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber supporting gut health and regularity. Traditional medicine uses it to support liver function and reduce inflammation. [source]
Cooking Greens & Braising
CulinaryBoth chicory and radicchio work well braised with garlic, broth, or cream. Young tender leaves can be sautéed like other bitter greens, adding depth to pasta and risotto dishes. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt, chicory produces striking blue flowers attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This provides habitat for 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
Harvest radicchio when heads are firm and well-colored, typically 70-100 days from seeding. Cut entire head 1-2 inches above soil level with sharp knife. Slight frost improves flavor—many growers wait for first light frost before full harvest. For chicory, harvest outer leaves individually once plant is 6-8 inches tall, or wait for full head formation. To produce forcing chicory ('chicons'): dig roots in fall, trim to 8-10 inches, store in cool dark place, bury roots in moist sand in a warm (50-60°F) dark space, and harvest pale blanched shoots in 3-4 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Radicchio's deep red color is due to anthocyanins—the same antioxidant compounds found in red wine and blueberries—which increase in concentration after frost, making late-harvest radicchio even more nutritious.
- 🌱 Chicory was used as a coffee adulterant and substitute for centuries, especially during wars and economic hardship, and is still blended into coffee in New Orleans chicory coffee.
- 🌱 The bright blue flowers of flowering chicory plants are so reliable in opening at sunrise that they were used historically to signal time of day and are called 'blue sailors' in folklore.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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