🥬 Radicchio: Growing Guide
Radicchio (Cichorium intybus) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at −5 to 22 °C (23–72 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart. Expect 80–100 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Cichorium intybus |
|---|---|
| Category | Salad Greens |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 30 cm (12 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −5 to 22 °C (23–72 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 80–100 days |
| Sowing depth | 0.3 cm (0.1 in) |
| Height | 20–30 cm (7.9–12 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | ||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Harvest | |||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Jul–Aug · Plant out: Sep · Harvest: Oct–Nov.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May, Oct.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May, Oct–Nov.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: May, Aug · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul, Sep.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Feb, Aug · Plant out: Mar, Sep · Harvest: Apr–May, Oct.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 6 days in winter. Moderate watering.
Growing tips
Red-white striped. Palla Rossa. Lightly bitter. Great grilled!
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Radicchio: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Jul–Aug · Plant out: Sep · Harvest: Oct–Nov. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May, Oct. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May, Oct–Nov.
Radicchio: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 6 days in winter. Moderate watering.
Radicchio: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 30 cm (12 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.3 cm (0.1 in).
Radicchio: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 80–100 days.
Radicchio: which plants grow well with it?
Endive.
Radicchio: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids, Slugs.
Plan your garden
Add Radicchio to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
Open the free planner →