Grumolo Verde

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Sink your spoon into the crisp, cool crunch of Grumolo Verde—its tender heads unfurl in a vivid green that tastes pleasantly bittersweet and clean, with a fresh, leafy snap.

At maturity around 60 days, the rosette forms tight, upright hearts with a finely textured, lightly ribbed surface that holds beautifully for salads and elegant braises. Grow Grumolo Verde for the gardener’s delight of a radicchio that’s both visually striking and reliably flavorful from first harvest to the last leaf.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 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 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Grumolo Verde leans toward a crisp, clean bittersweet rather than harsh bitterness, so it holds up under a quick hit of heat without turning muddy. Use it raw in wedges or braise just until the ribs go soft—its texture is the whole point, and it loves sharp, acidic partners.

Best Uses

raw wedge salads with minimal dressing to keep the crunch
quick sautéed or charred radicchio for bitter-sweet caramelization
braised in a splash of vinegar or wine until the ribs turn melting-tender
tossed into warm grain bowls where it stays snappy

Flavor Profile

clean, pleasantly bittersweet bite fresh leafy snap with a tender heart lightly ribbed, crisp texture

Kitchen Pairings

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Cichorium intybus (Grumolo Verde), and how can I control them?

Look for aphids and slugs/snails on young leaves; aphids leave sticky honeydew and curled growth, while slugs create ragged holes. Spray off aphids with a strong water jet, then use insecticidal soap if needed, and hand-pick slugs at dusk or set beer traps/diatomaceous earth around the bed. In humid conditions, watch for powdery mildew (white dust on leaves) and improve airflow—space plants properly and avoid wetting foliage during watering.

How often should I water Cichorium intybus during the main growing period?

During the 60-day growing stretch, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for damp topsoil (about 1–2 in/2.5–5 cm) without standing water. Water deeply about 2–3 times per week in typical weather, increasing frequency during hot, dry spells and reducing it after cool/rainy periods. Mulch lightly to prevent the surface from drying out, since drought stress can make leaves tougher and more bitter.

How do I know when Grumolo Verde is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 60 days from sowing and the outer leaves are fully sized and crisp, with good color and density. For a best texture, pick in the morning and cut individual outer leaves first, allowing the center to keep producing. If leaf edges start to look tough or bitter, harvest promptly rather than waiting for a fully mature “all-at-once” head.