How to grow Radicchio in Australia

Difficulty: Intermediate
Sun: Full sun
Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 2 days
Spacing: 30 cm
Time to harvest: 80 days
Time to germinate: 8 days
Soil pH: 6 to 7
Frost tolerance: Frost hardy

Grow in full sun to part shade in fertile, moist, well drained soil. Keep watering steady and even to avoid bitterness and bolting.

At a glance

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	February to June
Northern Rivers NSW	February to June
Sydney & Coastal NSW	February to July	Extended cool season. Heads up better than in SEQ.
Melbourne & Victoria	February to August	Extended window. Frost improves flavour and colour. Melbourne ideal.
Adelaide & SA	February to July	Mediterranean staple. Adelaide conditions ideal for radicchio.
Perth & WA	March to July	Mediterranean staple. Perth ideal for radicchio and chicory.
Tasmania	November to February	Sow Nov to Feb so heads mature into autumn cold. Frost deepens colour and flavour. Tasmania suits it perfectly.
Canberra & ACT	December to March	Sow Dec to Mar for autumn and winter heads. Frost improves colour and flavour.
North Queensland	May to July	Dry season only. Short window.
Darwin & Top End	June and July	Dry season only. Very short window.

Heads are ready when firm and tightly packed. Cut the whole head at the base with a knife; some types resprout small leaves for a second pick.

Fridge whole for up to 2 weeks. Cut radicchio keeps 3 to 4 days.