Organic Radicchio 'Giorgion'
Organic Radicchio 'Giorgion' (Cichorium intybus) from the seed company Gaia, a compact red chicory with a refined bitter flavor and a lively crunch
The 'Giorgion' radicchio forms compact, deep red heads, enlivened by white veins that accentuate its classic Italian chicory appearance. Its leafy flesh is crisp and slightly bitter , but becomes sweeter as temperatures drop, at which point its color intensifies and its texture firms up. A robust heirloom variety, it tolerates the cool conditions of spring and autumn well and demonstrates excellent disease resistance, offering tight, uniform leaves that shine both in salads and in slow cooking. Its ability to transform its flavor in the cold gives it a unique culinary character, reminiscent of traditional radicchios from northern Italy.
Versatile and aesthetic, it brings a marked gastronomic dimension to the vegetable garden as well as to the plate, combining controlled bitterness, vibrant color and vegetal finesse.
Companion plants : Lettuce, Tatsoi, Mustard
Nefarious plants : Endive, Escarole
Spread/Carry : Compact rosette
Plant height : 30 to 45 cm
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Compact red heads, mild bitterness, color intensified by cold, excellent leaf quality, good disease resistance
Leaf color : Deep red with white veins
Texture/flavor : Crunchy, bitter, then softened by the cold
Cold tolerance : Down to -7°C
Farming method
Sow indoors about two weeks before planting outdoors. Transplant as soon as the soil is workable in spring or after the summer heat, around mid-August for optimal color. Sow 6 mm deep and space the plants 20 to 38 cm apart, with 60 to 90 cm between rows. Germination occurs in ten to fourteen days at 15 to 20°C , with an optimum around 18°C . Radicchio prefers full sun or partial shade (level 2) and regular watering (level 2). Cold weather is essential to intensify its color and soften its bitterness.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the young leaves for a more tender texture, although their flavor diminishes quickly with storage. Mature buds reveal their best profile after a period of cold storage. The roots can be harvested after four months of growth. Store the leaves in a cool, well-ventilated place to minimize wilting.
Usage ideas
• In colorful salads to enjoy its crunch and subtle bitterness
• Grilled or roasted to develop sweet notes
• In risottos or pasta dishes, its deep red color brings richness and contrast
• Sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a classic Italian touch
• As an accompaniment to rich dishes to balance the flavors
The 'Giorgion' radicchio brightens the vegetable garden with its deep red hues and vibrant texture. Its cold hardiness, robustness, and culinary appeal make it an essential chicory for cool-season gardens and kitchens that appreciate the subtle bitterness of Italian varieties.
