Growing Radicchio in Kihei

 

 

Radicchio is an Italian green from the chicory family that grows best in cool weather. It's slow to bolt but like many of the red or butter lettuces it's not cool enough in Kihei to initiate heading or to turn the leaves red in all varieties.
  

Pan di Zucchero

 

I've planted many varieties of radicchio that didn't head. So far my best results were with the varieties featured in this post.

Indigo

 

Indigo is an F1 hybrid that was developed to be adaptable to the summer heat. It is the only round radicchio I've grown that produced a compact head. When planted close together (6 to 8 inches apart)the outer leaves are large enough to naturally self blanch the center heads.

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Radicchio is easy to grow in containers and needs a soil depth of at least 6 inches. With the exception of Indigo, I plant radicchio seeds from October through November. Indigo can be planted from September through March with good results. Radicchio needs 3 months from seed to maturity.

 

Rossa di Treviso Rio S Martino

 

One of the best things about growing radicchio is that it's not bothered by any of  the destructive Kihei insects like the cabbageworm. It's one of a few salad greens that doesn't need to be covered with a row cover or tulle. However, I recommend using snail bait on the ground around the containers as snails and slugs will eat the outer leaves.

 Seeds From Italy, Johnny's Select Seeds and Weston Seed

have large selections of radicchio seeds. 

How to Grow Radicchio, Chicory, Endive & Escarole

How to Grow Radicchio
Foodie Guide to Radicchio

Linguine Pasta, Radicchio and Pecorino Romano
White Bean and Tuna Salad with Radicchio
Grilled Radicchio Salad 

Pickled Radicchio