How to grow Chicory Palla Rossa
Palla Rossa is a vibrant heirloom radicchio prized for its deep red and white leaves, adding drama and a distinct, slightly bitter touch to your salads. This UK-grown variety thrives in cool weather, offering crunchy harvests in autumn and winter, even for beginner gardeners.
Growing Instructions:
Sowing:
- Direct sow: Outdoors from April to late summer.
- Seedlings: Start indoors in March for an earlier harvest.
- Depth: Sow seeds 1.5cm deep.
- Spacing: Thin to 25-30cm between plants.
Growing:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
- Feeding: Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser every few weeks.
Harvesting:
- Ready: When heads are firm and coloured, usually 3-4 months after sowing.
- Method: Cut the whole head at the base.
- Storing: Store in the fridge for up to a week.
Bonus Tips:
- Blanching: For milder flavour, tie up the leaves a few weeks before harvest to block sunlight.
- Second harvest: Cover remaining roots with cloche in autumn for later growth.
- Companion planting: Plant near lettuce, cabbage, or carrots for pest control.
Enjoy the vibrant colour and unique flavour of homegrown Chicory Palla Rossa!
