Organic seeds

Les jardins de l'écoumène

Cichorium intybus ‘Palla Rossa’

The radicchio ‘Palla Rossa' is an elegant and tasty variety that brings the vegetable garden a rare visual intensity with its round heads with red, white-veined carmine leaves. Its crisp texture and acidic flavour make it an ingredient of choice for autumn salads, but also for grilled or roasted preparations that subtly soften its character. In the garden, it forms compact and colourful rosettes that nicely structure the rows while offering a beautiful ornamental value. Easy to grow in the ground or in a container, it appreciates sunny positions and well-drained soil that helps the heads develop into a good shape.
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Discover the plant

Common namePalla Rossa Radicchio
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusCichorium
Specieschicory
CultivarRed ball
TypeVegetable
Botanical nameCichorium intybus
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietyYes

Cichorium intybus ‘Palla Rossa’ — Palla Rossa Radicchio. The radicchio ‘Palla Rossa' is an elegant and tasty variety that brings the vegetable garden a rare visual intensity with its round heads with red, white-veined carmine leaves. Its crisp texture and acidic flavour make it an ingredient of choice for autumn salads, but also for grilled or roasted preparations that subtly soften its character. In the garden, it forms compact and colourful rosettes that nicely structure the rows while offering a beautiful ornamental value. Easy to grow in the ground or in a container, it appreciates sunny positions and well-drained soil that helps the heads develop into a good shape.

Recommended planting period: June to July. The depth to be respected is 0.5 cm (0.2 in.). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Distribute the radicchio seeds of leafy vegetables evenly to avoid a densely crowded mat of young seedlings. Thin or transplant the seedlings as appropriate for the crop, keeping the strongest plants for further growth. Sowing at intervals gives you plants at different stages of growth, allowing you to harvest leaves over time. Label each sowing with its date so that you can follow the plants’ growth.

Pick the young leaves earlier for tender harvests, while allowing the developing heads to improve in quality as cooler temperatures arrive towards the end of the growing season. Grow leafy vegetables beside a path for frequent, small harvests. Arrange short rows or clearly labelled groups so that you can select the plants ready for harvest without stepping onto and compacting the soil. Allow enough room for the central growth or developing head, according to the particular type of leafy vegetable being grown. In a vegetable composition, foliage of different colours allows to spot varieties and prepare various salads. It is a chicory of character, perfect for enriching the vegetable garden with deep colours, crunchy and nuanced flavours.

In the garden

Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Perennial

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

0.5 cm (0.2 in)

Germination temperature

18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)

Germination time

7 to 14 days

Sowing period

June to July

Propagation

From seed

Growing method

Recommended planting period: June to July. The depth to be respected is 0.5 cm (0.2 in.). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Distribute the seeds of leafy vegetables evenly to avoid a densely crowded mat of young seedlings. Thin or transplant the seedlings as appropriate for the crop, keeping the strongest plants for further growth. Sowing at intervals gives you plants at different stages of growth, allowing you to harvest leaves over time. Label each sowing with its date so that you can follow the plants’ growth. During warm weather, check the surface of the seedbed: it may dry out before the young roots reach a moister layer of soil. For leaf-to-leaf crops, start with the outer leaves and preserve the centre of the plant. Head-forming types can also be harvested as whole plants once the central head has developed fully. A young leaf is generally more tender than one that has been left on the plant for too long. Rinse the harvest before preparation and avoid crushing the remaining foliage. Observe the elongation of the central stem to spot the beginning of seed ascent. When harvesting leafy vegetables, adjust the way you pick them to suit the particular type of plant.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Watering

Maintain regular moisture to support leaf growth and maintain tenderness. Water at the base of the plant when the soil begins to dry, then let the excess water drain. Young seedlings and crops containing them require more frequent checks, especially on hot days. A light mulch can keep the soil fresher, without covering the hearts of the plants. Adjust the rain applications and avoid standing water in saucers.

Soil type

Prepare well-drained soil for planting. Distribute the seeds of leafy vegetables evenly to avoid a densely crowded mat of young seedlings. Thin or transplant the seedlings as appropriate for the crop, keeping the strongest plants for further growth. Sowing at intervals gives you plants at different stages of growth, allowing you to harvest leaves over time. Label each sowing with its date so that you can follow the plants’ growth. During warm weather, check the surface of the seedbed: it may dry out before the young roots reach a moister layer of soil.

Fertilization

Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.

Moisture

Keep the growing mix moist during germination, without standing water; then adjust to the crop

Seasonal care

The radicchio ‘Palla Rossa' is an elegant and tasty variety that brings the vegetable garden a rare visual intensity with its round heads with red, white-veined carmine leaves. Distribute the seeds of leafy vegetables evenly to avoid a densely crowded mat of young seedlings. Thin or transplant the seedlings as appropriate for the crop, keeping the strongest plants for further growth. Sowing at intervals gives you plants at different stages of growth, allowing you to harvest leaves over time. Label each sowing with its date so that you can follow the plants’ growth. During warm weather, check the surface of the seedbed: it may dry out before the young roots reach a moister layer of soil. For leaf-to-leaf crops, start with the outer leaves and preserve the centre of the plant. Head-forming types can also be harvested as whole plants once the central head has developed fully. A young leaf is generally more tender than one that has been left on the plant for too long. Rinse the harvest before preparation and avoid crushing the remaining foliage. Observe the elongation of the central stem to spot the beginning of seed ascent. When harvesting leafy vegetables, adjust the way you pick them to suit the particular type of plant. Picking the outer leaves preserves the centre of the plant when you want it to continue producing. Very old leaves do not give the same tenderness as young shoots. Rinse the harvest just before use or dry it thoroughly before a short stay in the refrigerator. Its crisp texture and acidic flavour make it an ingredient of choice for autumn salads, but also for grilled or roasted preparations that subtly soften its character.

Container growing

Container growing

Suitable for containers

Yes

Recommended pot size

A stable container with drainage holes, enough width for the plant’s spread and sufficient depth for its roots
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.). A planter devoted to leafy vegetables keeps a supply of fresh harvests close to the kitchen where you will use them. Use all available surfaces without tightening the plants against the edge. Head-forming types need more room to grow than leafy vegetables that are harvested while still very young. Check moisture regularly and water under the foliage as much as possible. Harvest with clean scissors and remove damaged leaves to keep the heart accessible and ventilated. Easy to grow in the ground or in a container, it appreciates sunny positions and well-drained soil that helps the heads develop into a good shape. The radicchio ‘Palla Rossa' is an elegant and tasty variety that brings the vegetable garden a rare visual intensity with its round heads with red, white-veined carmine leaves. Its crisp texture and acidic flavour make it an ingredient of choice for autumn salads, but also for grilled or roasted preparations that subtly soften its character. In the garden, it forms compact and colourful rosettes that nicely structure the rows while offering a beautiful ornamental value.
Sachet de semences Chicorée sauvage Palla Rossa. Emballage blanc photographié de face sur un fond de bois brun. Une image du végétal occupe la partie centrale, sous le nom imprimé. De petits pictogrammes et un code-barres apparaissent au bas du sachet. La marque Écoumène figure dans la partie supérieure de cette présentation.

Bloom and dimensions

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in)

Width / spread

20-30 cm (8-12 in.)

Growth habit

Compact rosette

Bloom period

Flowering usually occurs in this period: summer of the 2nd year. For a crop grown as a vegetable, bolting marks a change in the plant’s stage of growth that needs to be watched. Harvest the parts you intend to use in the kitchen before they lose the texture you want for cooking or eating. Set aside a few separate plants if you want to observe the flowers as they open. The actual timing depends on when the seeds were sown, the temperatures and the development of the individual plants.

Fruiting

Its crisp texture and acidic flavour make it an ingredient of choice for autumn salads, but also for grilled or roasted preparations that subtly soften its character. Pick the young leaves earlier for tender harvests, while allowing the developing heads to improve in quality as cooler temperatures arrive towards the end of the growing season. This culture gives the gardener the pleasure of a harvest that is both aesthetic, gourmet and a bit sophisticated.

Harvest

75 days after sowing
Chicorée sauvage Palla Rossa. Pomme de chicorée rouge foncé entourée de feuilles vertes. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

In a mixed planting, you can reserve sections close to these plants: carrots, radishes, onions. The association is used here to organize space and crops. Allow for the height, light requirements and water needs of each plant, leaving enough room between the foliage. Keep a path clear for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to make room for the next planting. This arrangement makes maintenance easier without promising protection against garden pests. Grow leafy vegetables close to a garden path, where it is easy to reach them for frequent harvests of small quantities.

Garden use

Its crisp texture and acidic flavour make it an ingredient of choice for autumn salads, but also for grilled or roasted preparations that subtly soften its character. Pick the young leaves earlier for tender harvests, while allowing the developing heads to improve in quality as cooler temperatures arrive towards the end of the growing season. This culture gives the gardener the pleasure of a harvest that is both aesthetic, gourmet and a bit sophisticated. It is a chicory of character, perfect for enriching the vegetable garden with deep colours, crunchy and nuanced flavours.

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Edible parts

Sheets
Recipe idea using Palla Rossa Radicchio: vegetable stir-fry for four servings. Prepare 400 g of the harvested part, a clove of garlic, 15 ml of oil and 30 ml of water. Cut stems, leaf ribs or other firm parts into small pieces, and set the leaves aside to add separately. Heat the oil, sauté the garlic without burning it, then add the firm pieces and water. Cover for a few minutes. Then add the leaves or other tender parts and continue cooking until they reach the texture you prefer. Season to taste and serve hot. Prepare the ingredients with clean utensils and adapt the cut to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, keep enough space in the dish to mix or cook evenly. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within two days. For a two-person meal, simply divide all quantities by two.
Chicorée sauvage Palla Rossa. Pomme de chicorée rouge foncé entourée de feuilles vertes. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Palla Rossa Radicchio from seed?
Recommended planting period: June to July. The depth to be respected is 0.5 cm (0.2 in.). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Distribute the seeds of leafy vegetables evenly to avoid a densely crowded mat of young seedlings. Thin or transplant the seedlings as appropriate for the crop, keeping the strongest plants for further growth. Sowing at intervals gives you plants at different stages of growth, allowing you to harvest leaves over time. Label each sowing with its date so that you can follow the plants’ growth. During warm weather, check the surface of the seedbed: it may dry out before the young roots reach a moister layer of soil.
Can I grow Palla Rossa Radicchio in a container?
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.). A planter devoted to leafy vegetables keeps a supply of fresh harvests close to the kitchen where you will use them. Use all available surfaces without tightening the plants against the edge. Head-forming types need more room to grow than leafy vegetables that are harvested while still very young. Check moisture regularly and water under the foliage as much as possible. Harvest with clean scissors and remove damaged leaves to keep the heart accessible and ventilated. The radicchio ‘Palla Rossa' is an elegant and tasty variety that brings the vegetable garden a rare visual intensity with its round heads with red, white-veined carmine leaves.
When can I harvest Palla Rossa Radicchio?
Its crisp texture and acidic flavour make it an ingredient of choice for autumn salads, but also for grilled or roasted preparations that subtly soften its character. Pick the young leaves earlier for tender harvests, while allowing the developing heads to improve in quality as cooler temperatures arrive towards the end of the growing season. This culture gives the gardener the pleasure of a harvest that is both aesthetic, gourmet and a bit sophisticated. It is a chicory of character, perfect for enriching the vegetable garden with deep colours, crunchy and nuanced flavours. When harvesting leafy vegetables, adjust the way you pick them to suit the particular type of plant.
What makes Palla Rossa Radicchio distinctive in the garden?
The radicchio ‘Palla Rossa' is an elegant and tasty variety that brings the vegetable garden a rare visual intensity with its round heads with red, white-veined carmine leaves. Its crisp texture and acidic flavour make it an ingredient of choice for autumn salads, but also for grilled or roasted preparations that subtly soften its character. In the garden, it forms compact and colourful rosettes that nicely structure the rows while offering a beautiful ornamental value. Easy to grow in the ground or in a container, it appreciates sunny positions and well-drained soil that helps the heads develop into a good shape.
How do I arrange a planting of Palla Rossa Radicchio?
Grow leafy vegetables close to a garden path, where it is easy to reach them for frequent harvests of small quantities. Arrange short rows or clearly labelled groups so that you can select the plants ready for harvest without stepping onto and compacting the soil. Allow enough room for the central growth or developing head, according to the particular type of leafy vegetable being grown. In a vegetable composition, foliage of different colours allows to spot varieties and prepare various salads. For leaf-to-leaf crops, start with the outer leaves and preserve the centre of the plant. Head-forming types can also be harvested as whole plants once the central head has developed fully. A young leaf is generally more tender than one that has been left on the plant for too long.

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