Radicchio - Palla Rossa (500 seeds)

Radicchio - Palla Rossa

Cichorium intybus

Radicchio 'Palla Rossa' is a classic Italian heirloom from the Chioggia region and a recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, producing compact, round heads of deep red leaves with striking crisp white ribs. The flavour is mildly bitter and slightly spicy when eaten raw, mellowing considerably when cooked or grilled to a rich, pleasantly earthy depth. The colour deepens and intensifies as temperatures drop, making it as ornamental in the autumn garden as it is impressive on the plate.

Performing best in cool weather, 'Palla Rossa' suits autumn and winter growing in New Zealand where the cooler temperatures bring out the best colour and flavour. Young leaves can be harvested throughout the season for salads, or the entire head cut once firm and mature. Cutting at the base leaving 1 cm of stem may encourage a second head to form.

Planting Season: Spring, Autumn
Sow: In trays; transplant when seedlings are 4 weeks old
Spacing: 20–25 cm apart
Height: 20–30 cm; compact round heads
Germination: 7–14 days at 18–22°C
Harvest: 80–90 days; when heads are firm and tightly packed
Flavour: Mildly bitter and spicy raw; mellows and sweetens when cooked