Giulio

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Sink your fork into Giulio radicchio for a crisp, cool crunch and a pleasantly bitter-sweet snap that turns especially captivating as the heads mature.

The leaves form tight, upright rosettes with striking deep burgundy to near-black tones and crisp, ribbed texture—ideal for gardeners who love bold flavor and clean, architectural form. Grow Giulio for standout market-style heads that shine in fresh salads and lend dramatic color and character to roasted and braised preparations, as well as tangy sauces and pickled accents.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 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 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full 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)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Giulio radicchio brings a clean, structured bitterness with a tight, ribbed crunch—mature heads reward you with a sweeter edge when you apply heat. Slice it thin to keep the bite lively, or roast/braise it to turn that bitter-sweet snap into silky, caramel-tinged greens.

Best Uses

shaved or torn salads where it stays snappy under vinaigrette
quick roast or grill to sweeten the bitterness and char the ribs
braises where it melts into glossy, bitter-sweet greens
tangy sauces and quick pickles for high-impact acidity

Flavor Profile

crisp cool crunch bitter-sweet snap deep burgundy leaf bitterness that mellows with heat ribbed, lightly juicy bite

Kitchen Pairings

lemon balsamic vinegar Parmigiano-Reggiano walnuts olive oil anchovies

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat aphids and powdery mildew on Cichorium intybus (Giulio)?

Check the undersides of leaves weekly for aphids; rinse them off with a strong jet of water and use insecticidal soap if numbers are rising. For powdery mildew, keep plants in full sun with good airflow, avoid wetting the foliage when watering, and remove heavily affected leaves early to slow spread. If mildew persists, apply a labeled fungicide that’s approved for edible greens, following the label for Cichorium/leafy greens.

How often should I water Cichorium intybus (Giulio) during the main growing phase?

During active growth (from early leaf set until about 2 weeks before harvest), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for roughly 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm (1 in) of soil dries out, since dry swings can reduce leaf quality and lead to stress. In consistently wet soils, plants can suffer from foliar disease, so prioritize drainage and avoid frequent light watering.

When is Giulio (Cichorium intybus) ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 55 days after sowing when the leaves are well-developed and reach your desired size; leaves should feel crisp and not overly tough. If grown for tender leaves, pick outer leaves first, leaving the center to continue producing. For best flavor, harvest in the morning and avoid waiting until plants bolt—flowering indicates the leaves will turn more bitter and fibrous.