Leonardo Radicchio: A Vibrant, Versatile, and Bolt-Resistant Variety
Discover the exceptional Leonardo Radicchio, a widely adapted and sure-heading variety suitable for all-season production. This vigorous cultivar matures in just 70 days, producing stunning 4-5″ round heads that are both bolt-resistant and tip burn resistant. Leonardo stands out for its reliability and versatility, making it an excellent choice for gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Leonardo Radicchio offers a perfect balance of crisp texture and sweet-bitter flavor, ideal for enhancing cool-weather salads and various culinary applications. Its brilliant red leaves with pearly white midribs not only provide a visually striking addition to dishes but also offer a unique taste experience. This variety’s quick sizing up makes it particularly well-suited for late summer and fall plantings, as the cooler temperatures enhance both flavor and color development.
In the garden, Leonardo Radicchio demonstrates impressive vigor and adaptability. Plants grow to a compact height of 8-12″, making them suitable for both small gardens and larger plots. With a recommended spacing of 18″ between plants, Leonardo allows for efficient use of garden space while ensuring each plant has room to develop its signature round, dense heads. The variety’s resistance to bolting and tip burn contributes to a higher percentage of marketable heads, maximizing your harvest yield.
Growing Success Tips:
- Plant in full sun for spring and fall crops, providing afternoon shade in warmer regions.
- Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent bitterness, using mulch to retain humidity.
- Harvest when heads feel firm, similar to iceberg lettuce, typically 60-65 days after planting.
- For best flavor and color, grow during cooler seasons or in areas with fluctuating day and night temperatures.
Leonardo Radicchio is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a reliable, flavorful, and visually appealing addition to their vegetable patch. Its adaptability to various growing conditions and resistance to common issues make it a low-maintenance crop with high rewards. For an extended harvest, consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.
Product Features
- Maturation Time: 70 days
- Head Size: 4-5 inches round
- Plant Height: 8-12 inches
- Resistance: Bolt-resistant and tip burn resistant
- Spacing: 18 inches between plants
- Light Requirements: Full sun, partial shade in hot climates
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Water Needs: Consistent moisture
- Temperature Preference: Cool weather crop, tolerates light frost
Key Benefits
- All-season production capability
- Striking red and white coloration
- Versatile culinary applications
- High percentage of marketable heads due to disease resistance
