Family:  Aster (Asteraceae)

May overwinter in zone 7, but generally grown as a fall crop, 60 days to harvest

(Chicory) This is a spring or late summer planted red radicchio that adds color, flavor and crisp texture to salads.  Easily grown by sowing in containers or in the open garden, the plants mature quickly and are a welcome addition to salads and baby greens.  Preferring rich, well-drained soil, radicchio grows well in conjunction with other crops, even when partially shaded by them. Scatter the seed on rich soil and press in, then keep evenly moist until germination, which occurs in 1 to 3 weeks.  Harvest closely-spaced plants when large enough to eat, or to grow larger individuals, thin plants to 6 inches to 1 foot apart. If the primary head is cut off at ground level, a new head will soon emerge (see photo).  these secondary heads are more highly colored when mature, demonstrating the bright red leaf with white venation.  They are also sweeter than the primary head, and sweeter yet after frost.  Seeds planted in the late summer give radicchio that holds well into the winter.

200 seeds/pkt, Certified Organically Grown