Radicchio Leonardo: The All-Season Italian Chicory for Reliable Harvests
Radicchio Leonardo is a widely adapted, sure-heading variety of Italian chicory that excels in all-season production. This vigorous cultivar matures in approximately 70 days, producing compact 4-5″ round heads with striking burgundy leaves and crisp white midribs. Leonardo stands out for its exceptional bolt resistance and tip burn tolerance, making it a dependable choice for market growers and home gardeners alike.
Prized for its versatility and consistent performance, Radicchio Leonardo offers a perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors characteristic of traditional Italian radicchio. Its dense, tightly-formed heads are ideal for adding a gourmet touch to salads, grilling, or roasting. The intense color and crisp texture of Leonardo make it a standout ingredient in both raw and cooked applications, elevating the visual appeal and taste profile of any dish.
Leonardo thrives in cool weather, with its flavor and color intensifying as temperatures drop. Plant in spring for early summer harvests or in late summer for fall and winter production. This variety’s compact growth habit allows for closer spacing, maximizing yield in limited garden space. Expect uniform, marketable heads weighing around 1 pound each at maturity, with improved color and sweetness in cooler conditions.
Growing Success Tips:
- Sow seeds in trays and transplant when seedlings have 3-4 true leaves
- Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent bitterness and bolting
- Provide full sun in spring and fall, with partial shade in summer
- Harvest when heads feel firm and compact for best flavor and texture
Radicchio Leonardo offers gardeners and chefs alike a reliable source of gourmet Italian chicory, combining ease of growth with exceptional culinary quality. Its adaptability to various growing conditions and seasons ensures a steady supply of this colorful, flavorful vegetable throughout the year.
For an extra crisp texture and reduced bitterness, try harvesting Leonardo in the early morning hours.
Product Features
- Mature in 70 days from transplant
- Round heads 4-5″ in diameter
- Bolt and tip burn resistant
- Suitable for all-season production
- Vibrant burgundy leaves with white midribs
- Plant spacing: 18″ apart
- Row spacing: 24-30″ between rows
- Height at maturity: 8-12″
- Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
- Optimal growing temperature: 60-65°F (15-18°C)
Key Benefits
- Versatile for raw and cooked applications
- Consistent performance across seasons
- Excellent storage life when refrigerated
- High yield potential in compact spaces
