Castelfranco

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Unfurl Castelfranco radicchio for a striking, sunlit crunch: tender, butter-yellow hearts haloed with crisp, rose-to-ruby fringing.

The flavor is pleasantly bittersweet and refined, with a delicate snap that holds beautifully from garden to platter. Ideal for fresh salads and elegant roasted or braised presentations, and also a standout for chicory-forward sauces and quick pickling.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jul 2nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Castelfranco radicchio is built for eating crisp: the pale inner heart stays tender while the fringed outer leaves deliver a clean bittersweet snap. Handle it gently—dress quickly or heat briefly—so the bitterness mellows without turning the texture silky or tired.

Best Uses

shaved or halved salad with a light vinaigrette
quick braise/roast to mellow bitterness while keeping leaf integrity
chicory-forward sauce base or emulsified salad topper
short pickling for a bright, crunchy bite

Flavor Profile

pleasant bittersweet edge tender butter-yellow heart rose-to-ruby crisp snap

Kitchen Pairings

balsamic vinegar Parmigiano-Reggiano walnuts aged goat cheese olive oil lemon zest

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease commonly affects Cichorium intybus (Castelfranco) in cool, wet weather, and how can I prevent it?

Castelfranco chicory (Cichorium intybus) is prone to crown rot and leaf rots (often worsened by poor drainage and dense, constantly damp foliage). Plant in well-drained soil, space plants to keep leaves from staying wet, and water at the soil line rather than overhead. If you see rotting at the crown or slimy leaves, remove the affected plants immediately to reduce spread and let the bed dry slightly between waterings.

How often should I water Castelfranco during its main growth phase so heads develop properly?

During active growth, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for evenly damp soil to about 2–3 inches deep. In most home gardens this means watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during hot, windy periods. If the top 1 inch dries out, water thoroughly; if the soil stays soggy after watering, reduce frequency to prevent rot at the crown.

How do I know when Cichorium intybus (Castelfranco) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at around 75 days from sowing when the plants form tight, compact heads (small, dense rosettes) with pale inner leaves. Heads should feel firm rather than loose, and outer leaves should be healthy and fully developed. For best quality, harvest before the plants bolt or the center starts to elongate and loosen.