Vegetable · Asteraceae family
radicchio
Cichorium intybus (Radicchio Group)
In short a 10-second read
Radicchio (vegetable) grows to 0.25–1.2 m tall and 0.25–0.6 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Sow in April–July. Plant out in May–June. Harvest in August–October. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 0.25–0.6 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy, humus-rich
Soil pH 6–8
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Sowing
sow indoors: April–May; direct sowing: June–July
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–June
Harvest
August–October
Winter protection
cover with horticultural fleece
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: cover with horticultural fleece.
- Cover with horticultural fleece
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow radicchio?
In April–July (sow indoors, direct sowing).
When is radicchio harvested?
In August–October.
Does radicchio tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does radicchio need?
At maturity 0.25–0.6 m wide and 0.25–1.2 m tall; recommended spacing 30 cm.
Does radicchio survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: cover with horticultural fleece.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (9)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Cichorium intybus
- RHS: Chicory – Grow Your Own
- USU Extension: How to Grow Chicory in Your Garden
- Pl@ntUse — Cichorium intybus Radicchio Group
- Wikidata (CC0) — radicchio
- GBIF species/match — Cichorium intybus: ACCEPTED SPECIES
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
