CHICORY ‘ITALIKO ROSSO’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
- Traditional Italian heirloom chicory with deep red, elongated leaves and a slightly bitter, crisp flavour.
- Perfect for salads, sautéing, or adding colour and texture to gourmet dishes.
- Fast-growing, cool-season leafy vegetable that thrives in fertile, well-drained soil.
- Produces tender, uniform leaves over an extended harvesting period when regularly picked.
- Compact plants reach approximately 30–40 cm tall, ideal for home gardens and raised beds.
- Can be harvested continuously by picking outer leaves, encouraging new growth.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual leafy vegetable, growing 30–40 cm tall
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days
- Depth: 0.5–1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Direct sow in garden beds or seed trays for transplanting
- Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile loam; keep soil consistently moist
- Spacing: 20–30 cm between plants for optimal growth
Growing Tips
- Keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot weather to prevent bolting.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous production.
- Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply of fresh leaves.
- Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails with organic deterrents if needed.
Harvest
Harvest young leaves once plants reach 15–20 cm tall; continual picking promotes new leaf growth over several weeks.
When to Sow Chicory ‘Italiko Rosso’ in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | March – June, August – September | Plant after frost risk. Maintain consistent moisture. |
| Subtropical | March – April, August – October | Ensure fertile, well-drained soil and regular watering. |
| Tropical | Not recommended – prefers cooler climates | Grow only in shaded, cooler microclimates if attempted. |
| Cool | August – September | Start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse. Protect from frost. |
| Arid | March – April | Requires consistent watering and mulching to conserve moisture. |


