How to Grow Radicchio in Australia
A cool-season leafy crop for the home garden
Growing your own Radicchio is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$4-6/head. Premium salad green rarely found fresh in Australian shops.
This guide covers when to plant Radicchio in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Radicchio is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in February, March, April, May and June. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Chioggia (Red Ball)
The classic round radicchio with deep red leaves and white ribs. Reliable heading.
Try: Eden Seeds, Mr Fothergill's, Diggers
Treviso
Elongated heads like a red cos lettuce. More elegant, slightly milder. Italian market favourite.
Try: Eden Seeds, Diggers
Castelfranco
Speckled green-and-red rosette. Open head, milder flavour. Beautiful on the plate.
Try: Diggers, Eden Seeds
Position and Soil
Give Radicchio full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 25cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 30 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 8 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 22 degrees.
Italian bitter leaf chicory. Heads tighten and colour up in cool weather. Flavour is pleasantly bitter and improves after a frost. Mediterranean staple that suits Perth, Adelaide and southern climates perfectly. In SEQ, sow early autumn for best results.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids and Slugs. The main diseases to watch are Bottom rot and Tipburn. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Radicchio is typically ready to harvest in around 80 days (about 3 months). Fridge whole for up to 2 weeks. Cut radicchio keeps 3-4 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, radicchio is good grilled and dressed with balsamic, added raw to winter salads, braised with wine and butter and shredded into risotto. Nutritionally: high in vitamin K and rich in antioxidants and polyphenols.
Companion Planting
Radicchio grows well alongside Beans, Carrot and Lettuce. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Radicchio Growing
Add radicchio to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radicchio in Australia?
Radicchio is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in February, March, April, May and June. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Radicchio take to grow?
Radicchio is generally ready to harvest in around 80 days (about 3 months).
Can I grow Radicchio in a pot?
Yes. Radicchio grows well in a container of 25cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Radicchio need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Radicchio in the Plant Library
