Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Radicchio
Radicchio is a great smoothie ingredient. Its brilliant red and white
leaves give the smoothie a nice color, and radicchio has a bite that is
absent in other lettuces.
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING RADICCHIO
FAMILY
NAME
Asteraceae (aster, daisy, or sunflower family).
EDIBLE
PARTS
Leaves.
LOCATION
Does well in full sun or light shade.
BEST SOIL
Fertile, rich soil; enclosed beds are fine.
WHEN TO
PLANT
Either spring or fall; radicchio likes cold weather, so plant in the
spring up to four weeks before your expected last frost.
HOW TO
PLANT
Sow the seeds ⁄ -inch under the soil. You can thin as they start
1
to grow. If you're transplanting from pots or seedbeds, plant 12
to 14 inches apart.
4
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
4 to 5 plants per person.
WEEDING
Keep the area around the plants weed-free.
WATERING
Frequent light watering.
FERTILIZING
A low-grade nitrogen blend is okay; compost tea around the site
after planting.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Caterpillars and slugs prey on radicchio leaves; use saucers of
beer to keep them at bay. Aphids attack the larger veins in the
plant leaves; use natural pyrethrin-based sprays against them.
WHEN TO
HARVEST
Pick the leaves after the first few light frosts.
HOW TO
HARVEST
You can cut the leaves you're going to use in your smoothie;
radicchio is a perennial, so after your first planting you'll be able
to enjoy their leaves for years to come.
STORAGE
Store in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
But the best thing is to pick only enough leaves to toss into your
smoothie immediately.
