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How to Grow Radicchio Rosso Tardivo di Treviso

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Radicchio Rosso Tardivo di Treviso

Cichorium intybus var. foliosum

vegetable

Radicchio Rosso Tardivo di Treviso is a late-season Italian heirloom chicory known for its striking deep red and white striped leaves and slightly bitter, complex flavor. This elongated variety develops its characteristic color and tenderness after exposure to cool fall temperatures, making it a premium cold-season crop. It is traditionally grown in the Veneto region of Italy and has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

Looking for a specific variety?

Rosso Tardivo di Treviso Rosso Tardivo di Treviso IGP Radicchio Trevisano Variegato di Castelfranco Rosso di Chioggia Rosso di Verona

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Example Radicchio Rosso Tardivo di Treviso timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Radicchio Rosso Tardivo di Treviso

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Radicchio Rosso Tardivo di Treviso

    Around Jul 1

    ≈ 75 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Radicchio Rosso Tardivo di Treviso dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates
💧
Water: Consistent moisture; approximately 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid wetting leaves.
📏
Spacing: 6-8 inches between plants in rows 12-18 inches apart inches
📅
Days to maturity: 75-100 days from transplant; longer for traditional fall harvest after frost
🌱
Planting depth: ¼ inch for seeds; transplants at same depth as nursery container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) Calcium (lime if pH is too acidic) Kelp meal for trace minerals

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9; ideally grown for fall harvest when temperatures cool

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny green leaves emerge; plant is delicate and vulnerable to pests and drying out.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.

2

Vegetative (Leaf Development)

4-6 weeks

Plant develops 6-12 true leaves; rosette forms but color remains green at this stage.

Ensure consistent watering and fertility. Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves. Monitor for slugs and insects.

3

Pre-Heading (Late Summer/Early Fall)

3-4 weeks

Plant continues to grow; leaves begin to show hints of color; head structure begins to tighten.

Maintain regular watering. Reduce nitrogen to encourage head formation over leaf growth.

4

Blanching & Color Development (Fall Frost)

2-4 weeks depending on temperature

After first frost or prolonged cool temperatures (below 50°F), leaves develop brilliant deep red and white striping. This is the critical stage where Tardivo develops its signature appearance and tender texture.

Allow cool temperatures to trigger color and tenderness. Some growers tie outer leaves around head to blanch inner leaves. Protect from hard freezes with row covers if needed.

5

Harvest Ready

Harvest window: 2-6 weeks depending on storage conditions

Head is firm, deeply colored red and white, and leaves are tender with a crisp texture. Plant is at peak quality.

Harvest on a cool morning for best crispness. Can be left in field through light frosts for extended harvest.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Lettuce Spinach Parsley Thyme Garlic Onions Beets

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Caraway Parsnips Beans Corn

Common Pests

  • and

    Handpick at dusk; use copper tape barriers; encourage ground beetles with organic matter; apply iron phosphate-based slug bait if needed

  • Use floating row covers on young plants; spray neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; remove crop debris

  • Strong water spray to dislodge; spray insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings; use reflective mulch

  • Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; maintain row covers; encourage parasitic wasps; remove affected leaves

  • and (Sclerotinia, Pythium species)

    Improve drainage; avoid overhead watering; space plants adequately for air circulation; remove diseased plants; rotate crops

Uses

🍳

Salads & Raw Preparations

Culinary

The slightly bitter, complex flavor and tender texture after frosting make Radicchio Tardivo excellent in mixed salads, carpaccio, and raw vegetable platters. The striking red-and-white appearance adds visual appeal to any dish. [source]

🍳

Grilling & Roasting

Culinary

Cut heads in half lengthwise, brush with olive oil and salt, and grill or roast until caramelized. The bitterness mellows when cooked, revealing a sweet, tender interior. [source]

💊

Digestive & Liver Support

Medicinal

Radicchio contains inulin and compounds that may support digestive health and liver function. It has been used in traditional Italian herbalism to aid digestion and stimulate appetite. [source]

🏠

Natural Dye Source

Household

The deep red pigments in Radicchio Tardivo can be extracted and used as a natural dye for textiles and food applications, yielding shades of red and purple. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

If allowed to bolt and flower, radicchio produces delicate blue chicory flowers that attract bees and other pollinators in late spring or early summer. [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 after the first hard frost or when daytime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C), which is essential for color and tenderness development. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife in the early morning when crisp. Tardivo can be left in the field through light frosts for an extended harvest window. Heads can be stored in a cool cellar (32-40°F) for 2-4 weeks, or kept in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Radicchio Rosso Tardivo di Treviso has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in the European Union, meaning only radicchio grown and processed in specific areas of the Veneto region using traditional methods can legally bear this name.
  • 🌱 The 'Tardivo' in the name means 'late' in Italian, referring to the late harvest timing; cold exposure triggers the development of anthocyanin pigments, which not only create the striking red color but also act as antioxidants.
  • 🌱 In traditional Italian cultivation, the plants are often cut at harvest and stored in water-filled channels or 'casones' (forcing stations) where they continue to develop color and tenderness over several weeks in cool conditions—a process called 'forcing.'

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Heirloom Row Cover True Leaves
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