How to Grow Rosso di Verona
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Rosso di Verona
Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
vegetableRosso di Verona is a striking Italian heirloom chicory with deep crimson-red and white striped leaves that form a compact, loose head. It has a slightly bitter, complex flavor that becomes milder when cooked. This cool-season crop is prized for its ornamental appearance and distinctive taste in salads and as a cooked vegetable.
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Example Rosso di Verona timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rosso di Verona
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 Rosso di Verona
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rosso di Verona 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 spring and fall
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny sprouts with first true leaves appearing; seedlings are delicate and light green
Keep soil warm (65-70°F) and moist. Provide bright light or grow lights to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple leaves with increasing red coloration and white striping; forms a loose rosette
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (60-70°F). Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove any damaged outer leaves. Ensure adequate spacing to promote air circulation.
Head Formation
2-3 weeksLeaves begin curling inward and tightening, color intensifies with prominent red-and-white striping; loose head becomes denser
Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive leafy growth; apply low-nitrogen fertilizer if needed. Maintain consistent watering. Mulch around base to keep soil cool and retain moisture.
Maturity/Harvest-Ready
Harvest window 1-2 weeksFull head forms with vibrant crimson-red coloration and crisp texture; leaves are tightly arranged but still loose compared to tight cabbage heads
Check for firmness by gently pressing the head. Harvest when the head feels slightly firm but not rock-solid. Morning harvest provides the crispest texture.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray; maintain plant vigor
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; beer traps; copper tape barriers; encourage ground beetles
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected leaves; apply sulfur or copper fungicide
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Remove affected leaves; row covers to prevent egg-laying; spinosad spray
Uses
Raw Salads & Grilling
CulinaryUse raw in salads where its bitter-sweet flavor adds complexity; the striking red coloring makes it an ornamental salad ingredient. Excellent when halved and grilled, which mellows the bitterness and caramelizes the outer leaves. [source]
Cooked Vegetable Dish
CulinaryWhen braised, sautéed, or roasted with olive oil and garlic, Rosso di Verona becomes tender and sweet with subtle bitter undertones. Commonly prepared in Italian cuisine as a warm side dish. [source]
Digestive Support & Liver Health
MedicinalChicory contains inulin and other compounds traditionally used to support digestive and liver function. The bitter compounds stimulate bile production and digestive enzymes. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdThe deep red leaves can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and crafts, producing red to burgundy hues depending on mordant used. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt and flower, Rosso di Verona produces blue chicory flowers that attract bees and other pollinators; flowers are also edible with a mild bitter flavor. [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 in the morning when heads are crisp and full of moisture. Cut the entire head 1-2 inches above soil level with a sharp knife, or harvest outer leaves individually for prolonged production. For best flavor and color, harvest before the first hard frost, though a light frost actually improves sweetness. Refrigerate unwashed heads in a plastic bag for up to 2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rosso di Verona is named after the Italian city of Verona and dates back to the 16th century; it appears in Renaissance-era gardening texts and paintings.
- 🌱 The red pigmentation intensifies with cooler temperatures and light exposure, making fall-grown specimens often more brilliantly colored than spring crops.
- 🌱 Chicory root has been roasted and used as a coffee substitute or additive for centuries, particularly in Europe and the United States during times of coffee scarcity.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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