Cichorium Intybus – 0.69g – Approx 500 Seeds     

Rossa di Treviso is an Italian heirloom variety from the 16th century. It was the first Italian vegetable to be issued with DOP status like Champagne.

Rossa di Treviso is s a long leaved radicchio type that grows in a similar habit to lettuce. The leaves start off green and develop a stunning red colour as the weather cools in the autumn. It can also be forced like a whitloof type. Forcing produces tender leaves that are less bitter.

Sow the seeds under cover in late winter and spring for summer salad leaves. Direct sow in summer to harvest full sized heads in autumn. Thin the plants to around 20cm apart. Cold temperatures are needed for the deep red colour to develop.

For forced plants – lift the roots in the autumn, plant in large containers and trim the leaves to 3cm above soil leve.. Cover to exclude light which will cause bitterness. Store in a dark place at around 15°c and harvest in 3 – 6 weeks when the plants are around 20cm tall. Leave the roots as they will continue to grow over winter.