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Growing radicchio and chicory in the UK
Radicchio and chicory belong to the same family. They bring bitter, crisp, red and green leaves to the autumn and winter table, when the garden is quieter.
The types
- Radicchio forms a tight, rounded head, usually with deep red leaves and white veins, by late summer. The RHS recommends the AGM varieties 'Leonardo' and 'Palla Rossa'.
- Forcing chicory is grown for its roots, which are lifted in winter and forced in the dark to give pale, sweeter shoots called chicons.
- Non-forcing chicory (such as sugarloaf types) forms a head to cut in late summer and autumn.
- Baby salad leaves can be cut cut-and-come-again from a close sowing.
When to sow
The RHS advises sowing forcing chicory outdoors in May and June. Non-forcing chicory can be sown indoors in April and May, or outdoors in June and July. For baby leaves, sow outdoors in spring and summer, in a greenhouse in late winter, or in late summer for winter picking. The guide warns against sowing chicory too early outdoors, because cold spells make it flower instead of forming a head.
Spacing
Sow thinly, about 1cm deep, in rows 30cm apart. Thin forcing varieties to 15cm apart, non-forcing to 30cm, and baby leaves to 5cm. Give radicchio at least 30cm so the heads have room. In containers, use a pot at least 30cm wide.
Radicchio and bitterness
Radicchio's inner leaves are protected from light, so it does not need blanching, which helps keep bitterness down. The RHS says roasting or grilling makes the flavour milder. Water regularly: dry spells and hot weather push plants to bolt.
Forcing chicons
- In November, dig up the roots and discard any with a crown under 2.5cm across.
- Cut the leaves back to 2.5cm above the crown.
- Store the roots horizontally in sand in a cool shed.
- Plant a few roots upright in a large pot of moist compost, crowns at the surface. About five fit in a 25cm pot.
- Cover to exclude all light and keep at 10 to 15°C.
- Harvest the chicon at about 15cm tall, roughly four weeks later.
Harvesting
Non-forcing heads are ready from late summer to mid-autumn. Harvest before the first frosts or protect plants with cloches or fleece. Cutting a head to a stump may produce a smaller second head. Discard the tough outer leaves and keep the inner leaves out of light after harvest, or they turn green and more bitter. Forced chicons are ready in winter and early spring.
Problems
Slugs and snails attack seedlings and young plants. Check under covers when forcing, because the pots can rot. The RHS also lists aphids, grey mould and powdery mildew.
In the kitchen
Grilled radicchio, risotto and salads are in cooking ideas. Dates are in the sowing calendar.
Container growing
Chicory and radicchio can be grown in pots at least 30cm wide, filled with peat-free compost. Water regularly because dry compost pushes plants to bolt. Forcing in a large pot, as described above, works well for small gardens.
Which to choose
If you want colour and a classic Italian salad leaf, choose radicchio, such as the AGM varieties named by the RHS. If you want a mild, easy leaf for cutting, choose baby chicory leaves. If you like a project and a winter treat, try forcing chicons.
Frequently asked questions
When should I sow radicchio and chicory?
Per the RHS: forcing chicory outdoors in May and June; non-forcing indoors in April and May or outdoors in June and July. Avoid sowing too early outdoors.
How do I reduce bitterness?
Water steadily, and cook it: the RHS says roasting or grilling makes radicchio milder. Forced chicons are paler and sweeter.
Why isn't my radicchio forming a head?
Sowing too early, cold spells, drought and crowding can all cause bolting. Give each plant at least 30cm.