Grumolo Rosso

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Sink into the crisp, jewel-like crunch of Grumolo Rosso radicchio—its tight rosettes unfurl in striking ruby-red over creamy white ribs, offering a lively, pleasantly bitter edge with a clean, refreshing snap.

The leaves are finely frilled and vividly veined, forming a compact head that holds its shape beautifully from garden to table. Ideal for roasting, grilling, and braising, Grumolo Rosso also shines in fresh salads and elegant sauces where its bold color and crisp texture bring instant character.

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	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

Grumolo Rosso’s tight rosettes and creamy ribs are built for heat—cook it just until the bitterness softens and the ribs turn silky, while the frill keeps a satisfying crunch. Its bitter snap loves a clean acid like balsamic or lemon, plus something fatty (butter/duck fat) to round the edge.

Best Uses

grilling or roasting halves for caramelized edges while keeping the center snappy
braising in a little fat and acid until the ribs go silky but not mushy
raw salads where it stands up to sharp vinaigrettes without wilting
shredded or chopped into warm wilted salads and quick sauces for color and crunch

Flavor Profile

lively pleasantly bitter bite creamy-white rib sweetness crisp snap with finely frilled tenderness clean, refreshing finish

Kitchen Pairings

balsamic vinegar Parmigiano-Reggiano lemon olive oil duck fat or butter white beans

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Cichorium intybus (Grumolo Rosso), and how can I control it?

Cichorium intybus is prone to powdery mildew and leaf spot, especially in humid weather with poor airflow. Water at the base and space plants to keep foliage dry; remove badly infected leaves early. If needed, spray an appropriate labeled fungicide for leafy chicory/chicory greens and repeat according to the label at the first signs of infection.

How often should I water Grumolo Rosso during its main growing phase?

Keep the soil consistently evenly moist during active leaf growth, aiming for lightly moist soil rather than wet or drying out completely. In most home gardens, this typically means watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during hot, windy weather. Mulch lightly to steady moisture, and avoid waterlogging because soggy soil promotes leaf diseases.

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

Harvest when plants are well-formed at about 55 days and the leaves are crisp and fully developed, with firm heads/rosettes rather than loose, stretched growth. The best timing is in the morning when leaves are most turgid; cut the plant or harvest outer leaves depending on your growing style. If you see rapid bolting (flower stalks forming), harvest immediately because quality declines quickly.