Radicchio (chicory) Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
Radicchio (chicory) (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum) is a biennial vegetable in the Asteraceae family, native to Europe and western Asia (chicory cultivar group). It grows 25–40 cm (10–16 in) tall and 25–35 cm (10–14 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Radicchio (chicory) at a glance
| Type | Biennial vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–35 cm (10–14 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | about 47–61 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 100 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (heads), roots (forcing types) |
| Native to | Europe and western Asia (chicory cultivar group) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇹 Italy |
Is Radicchio (chicory) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not toxic; a salad vegetable.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Radicchio (chicory)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Radicchio (chicory)
- How far apart should I plant Radicchio (chicory)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–35 cm (10–14 in).
- Does Radicchio (chicory) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Radicchio (chicory) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Radicchio (chicory)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.
- When does Radicchio (chicory) flower?
- About 47–61 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Radicchio (chicory) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not toxic; a salad vegetable.
- What grows well with Radicchio (chicory)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Radicchio (chicory). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Sown in early summer for autumn heads; heads form after cooling. Kc taken from FAO-56 chicory values.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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