How to Grow Radicchio

Updated June 2026

A cool-season leafy for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Radicchio is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Radicchio is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the radicchio page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Palla Rossa, Classic red heading radicchio (Johnny's Selected Seeds)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 12 in between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 1.1 gal per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids and Slugs. In humid regions, Bottom rot and Tipburn can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Radicchio is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant radicchio where you garden.

See also: Radicchio in the plant library →

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