I planted Radicchio for the first time this year, and just harvested my first head (see picture in next posting - is there a way to include a picture in a new thread?)
I had no idea how long to wait before harvesting, but it had formed a pretty solid head, so I went ahead and pulled the plant yesterday. I removed about three layers of leaves that had not formed themselves around the head, and was left with this perfect little head of Radicchio. I sliced it thinly and added it to the other salad cuttings, and it was delicious: slightly tart, but fresh taste. This variety is Chiogga Red Preco #1, a long awkward name if I do say so, but the results were good, and this variety doesn't require cutting back before forming a head. I started them from seed on Feb 25, and transplanted this one to the garden on March 20, so it took 66 days from transplanting (the seed packet said 60 days, so that's pretty close!). I have another 5-6 plants that I transplanted about 3 weeks later, and they're still considerably smaller and haven't formed heads yet. I'm hoping the high temps we're having (98 degrees) will not do them in.
Not sure why I'm so excited about this, but it's always fun when planting something new turns out well. My wife said "So that's what the red stuff in a bagged salad looks like before you chop it up, huh?"
Anybody else out there enjoying Radicchio lately?
This message was edited Jun 8, 2011 10:25 AM
My first Radicchio head!
Here's the picture. It's about the size of a tennis ball, and should make quite a few salads for me and my DW.
Here's what it looked like about 3 weeks ago (plant in left corner). There's another plant hiding behind this one. Next time, I'll give it a bit more space. To the right of that is Endive and then Mustard Spinach.
I'm glad you showed that last picture. I grew Radicchio a few years ago and it didn't form a head, but now I see that I probably wasn't patient enough. My plant looked like that leafy one. Congrats on the beautiful head of rad! It is fun to plant something new and see it mature.
Very, very nice!!! I have never had a lettuce form a head for me, so I am properly impressed! nice job!
Congratulations, VitaVeggieMan.
You just reminded me that I like Radicchio. I'll have to place it on my shopping list for this week.
I assume it likes cooler temperatures? I've been trying to think of things I like to eat that I could sow this fall. So far, all I've come up with is broccoli.
Now I'm going to find out how to grow it....
I am growing radicchio in the fall garden.
If I plant in the spring it will not turn red color. The temperature need to be cooler for the radicchio to turn red, otherwise it is green ... and here in Dallas, the heat comes really fast.
GOOD JOB.
Where did you buy those seeds?
Thanks for all the compliments! I'm sure many of you out there have grown Radicchio successfully for years, but as they say, "The first time is the sweetest"!
I bought those seeds at Johnny's. I'll plant some more for my fall garden.
By the way, I ran across some great recipes for grilled Radicchio and other treats with a quick Google search. I suspect the rest of my heads will all mature about the same time, so I'm going to have to find a way to use them faster than putting a few slivers in a salad!