Radicchio Palla Rossa
$4.49
Cichorium Intybus
- Seed Count 500
- Small Attractive Red Heads
- Annual
In stock
Description
Radicchio Palla Rossa is the Italian classic that brings bold colour, texture, and versatility to the garden. Known for its compact, cannonball-shaped heads and vibrant crimson leaves veined with ivory ribs, this chicory is as ornamental as it is practical. Its deep red foliage adds a pop of colour, and its tidy growth habit suits pots or small spaces. It can be interspersed between plants in your garden, the red leaves are very showy and it grows well under leaves of other plants in partial shade.
The plant’s tight rosettes mature into firm, grapefruit-sized heads, their bitter edge mellowing with age. Unlike fussy greens, this radicchio stores exceptionally well—unwashed heads keep for weeks in the fridge, their flavour sweetening over time.
In the kitchen, Radicchio Palla Rossa is a star. Raw, its peppery bitterness pairs beautifully with sweet or creamy accompaniments: think citrus vinaigrettes, walnuts, or blue cheese. When cooked, it transforms. Grilling caramelises its sugars, while braising softens its bite into something earthy and rich. Toss it into pasta, layer it on pizzas, or roast it with balsamic for a hearty side.
For gardeners seeking a low-fuss crop that bridges the gap between beauty and brawn, Radicchio Palla Rossa delivers. Simple to grow, easier to use, and guaranteed to elevate both your garden and your plate—this is one seed packet that earns its keep.
| Method: Sow Seeds | Soil Temp: 10°-20° |
|---|---|
| Cool Mountain: Oct - Nov | Position: Part Shade |
| Arid: Jun - Jul | Depth: 5 mm |
| Temperate: Sep - Nov, Mar - Jun | Spacing: 30 cm |
| Sub Tropical: Apr - Jun | Harvest: 85 Days |
| Tropical: Apr - Jun | Height: 15 cm |
Soil Preparation
Soil Type:
- Well draining, rich in organic matter (add compost or aged manure).Â
pH:
- 6.0–7.0. Test soil and adjust with lime to raise pH or sulphur to lower.Â
Sunlight:
- Full sun (4 – 6+ hours daily).
- Partial shade in hotter areas.Â
Sowing Seeds
Direct Sowing:
- Plant seeds 5mm deep, spaced 30cm part in rows.
- Thin seedlings to 20 cm for head development.Â
Seedlings:
- Start indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting.
- Harden off seedlings before moving outdoors.Â
Germination:
7–14 days at 10–20°C.
Watering & Mulching
- Keep soil consistently moist, not waterlogged.
- Water at the base to avoid fungal issues.Â
- Apply mulch, straw or sugar cane, to retain moisture and suppress weeds.Â
Fertilising
Pre planting:
- Mix in a balanced fertilizer.Â
Midseason:
- Side dress with nitrogen rich fertiliser, such as blood and bone, 4 weeks after planting.Â
Pest & Disease Management
Pests:
- Deter aphids with companion plants; handpick slugs/snails.
- Use row covers or neem oil.Â
Diseases:
- Prevent mildew via spacing for airflow and crop rotation.
- Avoid overhead watering.Â
Harvesting & Storage
Harvest:
- Cut heads at soil level when firm 8 – 10 weeks.
- Cooler temps enhance colour and bitterness.Â
Regrowth:
- Leave roots for a smaller second harvest.Â
Storage:
- Refrigerate in perforated bags for 2–3 weeks.Â
Companion Planting Guide
Good Companions:
- Alliums (Onions, Garlic) – Deter aphids and slugs.Â
- Carrots – Loosen soil, mutual pest protection.Â
- Herbs (Dill, Mint, Thyme) – Repel pests; attract beneficial insects.Â
- Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach) – Share similar growing conditions.Â
- Marigolds – Deter nematodes and beetles.Â
Avoid Planting With
- Beans/Peas – Compete for nutrients; nitrogen fixation may reduce radicchio quality.Â
- Fennel – Allelopathic; inhibits growth.Â
Tips for Success
Bolting Prevention:
- Keep soil moist and mulch to regulate temperature.Â
Succession Planting:
- Sow every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest.Â
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