Leonardo

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp and vivid from the first bite of color—Leonardo radicchio forms tight, upright heads that deepen to a jewel-toned red with creamy white ribs.

The leaves are pleasantly bitter yet beautifully balanced, with a snappy crunch and a gently tender bite that holds up beautifully in cool-weather dishes. Grow Leonardo for bold salads, roasted leaf platters, and striking additions to sauces and pickles where its color and texture shine.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
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)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Leonardo radicchio brings tight, upright crunch plus a balanced bitterness that doesn’t flatten when you cook it—those creamy ribs help the leaves stay composed. Use it for high-contrast plates: a sharp acid (balsamic or citrus) and salty cheese make the bitterness taste intentional, not harsh.

Best Uses

shaved radicchio salads dressed lightly so the crunch stays loud
roasted wedges (oiled, high-heat) for caramelized edges and softer centers
hot-and-cold braises where the leaves wilt without turning to mush
quick pickles or vinegar slaws to keep the bitterness bright instead of dull

Flavor Profile

pleasantly bitter snap vivid red-leaf bitterness with creamy white rib sweetness crisp, cool-weather crunch tender within a tight, structured head

Kitchen Pairings

balsamic vinegar Parmigiano-Reggiano fennel (bulb or fronds) citrus (orange or lemon) olive oil pecorino romano

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Cichorium intybus (Leonardo), and how can I manage it?

Leonardo chicory is prone to powdery mildew and leaf spots during warm, humid periods. Water at the soil line, improve airflow by thinning plants to leave space between leaves, and remove heavily spotted leaves early to slow spread. If it keeps recurring, use a labeled fungicide suitable for edible leafy crops and follow the label’s spray interval.

How often should I water Cichorium intybus during active growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the main growing phase, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for steady moisture as leaves expand. Water when the surface begins to dry, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil, and soak deeply so roots develop evenly. Stop overwatering once plants are nearing maturity to reduce the risk of leaf diseases.

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

Harvest at about 60 days when the plant forms a full, firm rosette and leaves are well-developed but not overly tough. For the best texture, check individual leaves: they should be crisp and sizable, and the plant should show strong growth without significant bolting. Take first harvests by cutting outer leaves, or harvest the whole plant once the rosette is fully filled.