How to Grow Early Treviso
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Early Treviso
Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
vegetableEarly Treviso is a cultivar of radicchio, an Italian chicory featuring deep burgundy leaves with white ribs and a compact, elongated head. It matures faster than traditional Treviso varieties, making it practical for shorter growing seasons. The leaves have a pleasantly bitter flavor that mellows when cooked.
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Example Early Treviso timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Early Treviso
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 Early Treviso
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Early Treviso dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-8; thrives in cool-season climates with moderate temperatures
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Get my Early Treviso timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysTiny cotyledons emerge; first true leaves are narrow and green
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light and protect from direct intense heat. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
25-35 daysPlant develops multiple green leaves in rosette formation; begins to establish root system
Maintain consistent watering and fertility with balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks. Monitor for slugs and insects. Ensure adequate spacing to promote air circulation.
Head Formation
15-20 daysLeaves begin to compact and curl inward; red/burgundy coloration intensifies, particularly at leaf edges and ribs
Continue regular watering; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive leaf growth. Maintain steady temperatures; cool nights enhance color development. Watch for downy mildew in humid conditions.
Maturity
5-7 daysCompact head forms with deep burgundy outer leaves and white-ribbed structure; firm texture develops
Reduce watering slightly to firm up the head. Monitor for bolting in warm weather. Harvest when heads reach 4-6 inches tall and feel firm.
Harvest Ready
VariesFully formed, dense head with rich burgundy color and crisp texture
Harvest by cutting at soil level or twisting base to remove entire head. Early morning harvest provides best crispness. Can store 2-3 weeks in refrigerator.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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and
Hand-pick, use copper tape barriers, beer traps, or diatomaceous earth. Encourage beneficial predators like ground beetles.
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs and lacewings.
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide if severe.
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Use floating row covers early, diatomaceous earth, or spinosad spray. Keep area free of debris.
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or reflective mulch to repel.
Uses
Grilled and Braised Dishes
CulinaryEarly Treviso's slightly bitter flavor becomes mellow and sweet when roasted, grilled, or braised. The compact heads are ideal for halving and cooking whole, making an elegant side dish. [source]
Salads and Raw Preparations
CulinaryYoung leaves are tender enough for fresh salads, particularly when harvested early. The white ribs add visual appeal and a crisp texture that complements acidic dressings. [source]
Digestive and Liver Support
MedicinalRadicchio contains inulin and bitter compounds traditionally used in herbal medicine to support digestive health and liver function. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdThe deep burgundy leaves can be used to create natural plant dyes for textiles, though results vary depending on mordant used. [source]
Italian Cuisine Staple
CulinaryA key ingredient in traditional Northern Italian dishes such as risotto al radicchio and pasta preparations where its bitterness balances rich flavors. [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 when heads reach 4-6 inches tall and feel firm to the touch. Cut at soil level with a sharp knife or twist the base to remove the entire head. Early morning harvest ensures maximum crispness. Can be harvested at any point after head formation for tenderness, or left to mature fully for more intense flavor. Store in refrigerator crisper drawer for 2-3 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Early Treviso was developed to mature 2-3 weeks faster than traditional Treviso radicchio, making it viable for gardeners in cooler climates and shorter seasons.
- 🌱 Radicchio heads are actually composite flowers; the 'head' is a collection of modified leaves surrounding an unopened flower bud, and if left to mature, it will produce delicate blue flowers.
- 🌱 The deep burgundy color develops in response to cool temperatures and increases after a light frost, which is why radicchio is traditionally harvested in fall—early frosts actually improve both flavor and appearance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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