Organic Radicchio 'Palla Rosa'
Organic Radicchio 'Palla Rosa' (Cichorium intybus) from the seed company Gaia, a round chicory with a vibrant red color, a dense texture, and a delicate bitterness.
Radicchio 'Palla Rosa' forms round, tightly packed heads of a vibrant red , streaked with white veins that accentuate its Italian elegance. Its leafy flesh is crisp , with a mild bitterness that deepens when roasted or grilled, revealing a warm and complex flavor. An heirloom variety cultivated for cooler climates, it develops its most intense color after a period of cold, which also refines its texture. Its compact growth makes it ideal for small gardens, close borders, or container gardening, where it produces consistent, reliable, and easy-to-harvest heads.
Versatile and aromatic, it can be enjoyed both raw in colorful salads and cooked, where its deep red color and assertive taste add a unique depth to Mediterranean or autumn dishes.
Companion plants : Lettuce, Tatsoi, Mustard
Nefarious plants : Endive, Escarole
Spread/Carry : Compact rosette
Plant height : 10 to 18 cm
Quantity per packet : 50 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Characteristics : Compact, round buds, bright red color, bitterness softened by cold, excellent growing conditions, suitable for small spaces
Leaf color : Bright red with white veins
Texture/flavor : Crunchy, slightly bitter, then sweeter after cooking or chilling
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, space plants 20 to 38 cm apart, and leave 60 to 90 cm between rows. Germination takes 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, which are essential for forming round, dense heads. Cold weather is crucial for intensifying color and reducing bitterness.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the young leaves for a more tender texture, although they quickly lose flavor once stored. Mature buds reach their full potential after natural cooling. The roots can be harvested after four months of growth. The leaves have a short shelf life and should be refrigerated in a light, well-ventilated environment.
Usage ideas
• In colorful salads where its crunch and bright red color dominate
• Grilled or roasted for a deeper, sweeter bitterness
• In risottos and pasta dishes for an authentic Italian touch
• Sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a melt-in-your-mouth texture
• As an accompaniment to rich meats to balance the flavors
The 'Palla Rosa' radicchio combines a rounded shape, vibrant color, and refined bitterness to offer a chicory that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Compact, productive, and reliable, it enriches cool-season gardens and adds a distinctly gastronomic dimension to cooking.
