Red chicory from Treviso: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
When and how do you sow Treviso radicchio outdoors?
Sow Treviso radicchio mainly in early summer for autumn heads. June and July are a common guide, while some seed packets give a wider window from May to August. Follow the guidance for your particular type and adjust it to your local climate. Very late sowing gives plants less time to develop before winter arrives.
Choose a sunny position with loose, well-drained soil, improved beforehand with mature compost if needed. Remove competing weeds and prepare a fine surface. If the ground is dry, moisten it before making the drills: the small seeds need steady contact with damp soil to germinate.
Sow thinly about 1 cm deep in rows 30 cm apart. Cover with fine soil, firm lightly and water with a gentle spray so you do not displace the seeds. Keep the surface moist until seedlings emerge, without waterlogging it or allowing a hard crust to form.
Once seedlings have several true leaves, thin them to retain the strongest plants. A spacing of around 15 cm between plants can suit some selections; give larger types more room. Watch for slugs during this vulnerable stage. Label the row with the type and sowing date so you can follow its development.
When and how do you harvest Treviso radicchio?
