Growing radicchio

Radicchios are named after the towns in the Veneto region of northern Italy where they have been traditionally grown for hundreds of years. The most popular variety grown in the United States, Rosso di Verona, looks like an undernourished red cabbage. The variety with more elongated heads is called Rossa di Treviso

Leaves are sharp-flavored and should be used sparingly in green salads. Leaves may also be sauteed, steamed, or grilled with meats.

Do not plant too early in spring or plants will bolt (go to seed). Direct seed from late May through late July.

To produce the red, cabbage-like bulbs cut all the leaves above the crown of the plant (down to just above soil level) in early fall. New growth in the cool weather produces the small, red cabbage-like heads.