How to Grow Verona Radicchio
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Verona Radicchio
Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
vegetableVerona is a deep burgundy Italian radicchio with white ribs and a compact, dense head. This chicory variety is prized for its slightly bitter, complex flavor and attractive color in both raw and cooked dishes. It's a cool-season crop that develops its characteristic deep red color best in fall and winter conditions.
When should you plant Verona Radicchio in your zone?
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Example Verona Radicchio timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Verona 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 Verona Radicchio
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Verona Radicchio dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best color development in cooler fall/winter conditions
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Get my Verona Radicchio timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall leafy rosette with 4-6 true leaves, tender appearance
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Provide bright light if started indoors.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksExpanding leaf rosette with increasingly serrated green leaves; plant grows wider
Water consistently, fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove any diseased leaves. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Head Formation
3-4 weeksLeaves begin to bunch and tighten into a compact head; color gradually deepens, particularly in cool weather
Reduce nitrogen to encourage heading. Maintain steady watering. Cool temperatures (45-60°F) accelerate red color development. Can tie outer leaves loosely to encourage tighter heads.
Harvest Maturity
Ready to harvestFirm, compact burgundy head with white ribs; deep wine-red color fully developed
Monitor for splitting in wet conditions; harvest promptly when heads feel firm. Flavor becomes more complex after light frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers over young plants, apply neem oil, dust with diatomaceous earth, or use spinosad if infestation is heavy
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap, use neem oil, or encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Hand-pick caterpillars, use row covers, apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), or use spinosad
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Remove debris, use copper tape or barriers, hand-pick at dusk, apply nematodes, or use organic slug bait
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate sprays, remove infected leaves
Uses
Raw in Salads
CulinaryVerona's deep burgundy color and slightly bitter, complex flavor make it visually stunning and flavor-rich in salads. It pairs beautifully with creamy dressings, nuts, and acidic ingredients. [source]
Grilled or Roasted
CulinaryWhen halved lengthwise and grilled or roasted, the heat caramelizes the natural sugars and mellows the bitterness, creating a tender, savory side dish. [source]
Braised and Risotto
CulinaryVerona works wonderfully in Italian-style braised dishes and risotto, where it imparts color and a balanced bitter note that complements creamy rice. [source]
Digestive and Liver Support
MedicinalRadicchio is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its bitter compounds that may support digestive function and liver health. The inulin content supports gut health. [source]
Natural Food Dye
HouseholdThe deep burgundy leaves can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and food coloring, making it useful in sustainable home and craft projects. [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 are firm and compact, typically 70-100 days after transplanting. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife. Best flavor develops after a light frost; early season harvests may be more bitter. Can be harvested as baby leaves for salads if picked when 4-6 inches across. Store in refrigerator crisper drawer for up to 3 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Verona radicchio is named after the Italian city in the Veneto region, which is famous for radicchio production and has been cultivating this variety for centuries.
- 🌱 The deep red color develops best in cool temperatures and after a frost; growers often plant radicchio as a fall/winter crop specifically to achieve the most vivid coloring and complex flavor.
- 🌱 Radicchio is botanically a chicory, the same plant family as endive and escarole, and was developed in Italy through selective breeding in the 1700s-1800s to create heads rather than loose leaves.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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