Cicoria

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Silky, deeply ribbed leaves unfurl with a luminous, crisp snap—Cicoria Swiss Chard brings a vivid, garden-bright color that feels almost jewel-toned in the bed.

Expect tender, succulent texture with a gentle, earthy sweetness and a pleasantly firm midrib that holds its shape beautifully. Grow Cicoria for fresh salads, quick sautés, and vibrant sauces, or for pickling-style preserves that showcase its bold stems and lush foliage.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 4th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Cicoria’s standout is the edible crunch: the rib holds shape through heat while the leaf stays succulent, not woolly. Treat it like a greens-and-stem hybrid—fast cooking or sharp, acidic dressings make the sweetness pop and keep the bite intact.

Best Uses

quick sauté where the midrib stays snappy and the leaf turns silky
shaved or torn raw in salads under a briny, citrus-forward vinaigrette
silky braises or puree-style sauces (blend ribs for body)
pickling-style preserves that keep the stems crisp

Flavor Profile

gentle earthy sweetness crisp-succulent leaf with a firm, ribbed bite subtly mineral finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan white beans anchovy ricotta

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease or pest most commonly affects Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) and what should I do?

Watch for leaf miner and aphids, especially in warm weather—both can leave stippled leaves, curled foliage, and honeydew that may lead to sooty mold. Rinse leaves with a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids, remove heavily mined leaves, and use insect netting early to keep adults from laying eggs. If you see frequent mining damage, re-cover plants and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen so new growth stays tougher.

How often should I water Swiss chard during its main growing phase?

During the ~50 days to maturity, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings during hot spells. Water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which helps prevent foliar diseases. If the soil dries out between waterings, leaves can turn tough and bitter as growth slows.

How can I tell when Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are large enough to use, typically around 45–60 days, with mature outer leaves about 8–12 inches long. Start with the outer leaves and cut or snap them near the base, leaving the center crown intact for continued picking. If leaf stems become very thick and the plant bolts (flower stalk appears), harvest immediately and use tender outer leaves first.