Cichorium RED BALL VERONA SEEDS

The Cicoria rossa di Verona radicchio is an iconic Italian chicory variety, renowned for its beautiful round heads and striking burgundy-red leaves with white veins. This variety, often referred to as a type of radicchio, is celebrated for its distinctive bitter and spicy flavor, which can add depth and complexity to both raw and cooked dishes. Growing "Rossa di Verona" from seed allows gardeners to enjoy this classic ingredient fresh from the garden, where its flavor can be more nuanced compared to store-bought alternatives.

Cultivation from Seed

1. Soil Preparation: "Rossa di Verona" thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. Enhance your garden bed by incorporating plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure before planting. This chicory variety prefers a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.

2. Sowing: For best results, sow "Rossa di Verona" seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Plant the seeds in small pots or trays, lightly covering them with soil. Keep the soil moist to ensure germination, which typically occurs within 7-14 days. Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed and they have developed several true leaves.

3. Transplanting and Spacing: Transplant seedlings outdoors, spacing them about 8-12 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. This spacing allows each plant enough room to develop its characteristic round head.

4. Watering: Regular watering is crucial for "Rossa di Verona," especially during dry spells. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, which promotes healthy growth and helps to mitigate bitterness in the leaves.

5. Harvesting: "Rossa di Verona" is typically ready for harvest in the late fall or early winter, about 85-90 days after transplanting. Harvest by cutting the head at the base. For a milder flavor, you can practice "blanching" a few weeks before harvesting by tying the leaves together or covering the plant to limit light exposure, which reduces bitterness.

6. Pest and Disease Management: Regularly check plants for signs of pests or disease and use organic pest control methods as needed. Crop rotation and good sanitation practices can help prevent future issues.

Growing Radicchio "Rossa di Verona" from seed is a rewarding experience that yields a gourmet ingredient perfect for enhancing salads, risottos, and grilled dishes. This variety's tolerance for cooler weather makes it an excellent choice for extending the vegetable gardening season into the cooler fall and early winter months.