Red Preco

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp as a cool morning, Red Preco radicchio forms tight, ruby-red heads with a clean, snappy bite and a pleasantly bittersweet edge that lingers like fine cocoa on the palate.

The leaves are richly colored and beautifully ribbed, creating a dramatic rosette that stays crisp through harvest. Ideal for fresh salads, roasting until tender, and vibrant sauces where its deep red tones and lively flavor shine.

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)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Preco’s tight head and ribbed, cocoa-kissed bitterness make it a radicchio you don’t have to fight—heat rounds the edge while the crunch stays honest. Slice into wedges, dress lightly (so the bitterness reads as crisp, not harsh), and it plays beautifully with salty aged cheese and sweet-tart balsamic.

Best Uses

charred or roasted wedges to sweeten the bitterness while keeping the ribs firm
tossed salads with a light emulsified vinaigrette that clings to the ridges
grilled radicchio for smoky leaf “cups” under salty cheese
quick pan-braised radicchio to tame edge without going limp

Flavor Profile

clean, snappy crunch pleasantly bittersweet finish cocoa-like bitterness with a fresh, leafy edge ruby-tinted leaves that hold texture

Kitchen Pairings

balsamic vinegar Parmigiano-Reggiano pecorino romano walnuts olive oil pork sausage or pancetta

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Cichorium intybus (Red Preco) and how can I control it?

Cichorium intybus commonly suffers from leaf spots and downy mildew-like issues in humid weather, which show up as discolored patches that spread on leaves. Remove and discard affected leaves, water at the soil line (not overhead), and improve airflow by thinning plants so leaves aren’t touching. If disease pressure stays high, use a copper-based fungicide labeled for edible leafy crops and repeat according to label timing.

How often should I water Red Preco (Cichorium intybus) during its main growth phase?

During the 4–6 weeks before harvest, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for consistently damp soil in the top 2–3 in (5–8 cm). Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, giving a deep soak so moisture reaches the root zone; reduce frequency if the soil stays wet. Mulch lightly to prevent surface drying, which can cause leaf stress and uneven growth.

How do I tell when Red Preco (Cichorium intybus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 55 days from sowing and leaves are fully developed with crisp texture and good color. For tender heads/leafy harvest, pick when outer leaves are large enough for your use but before the plant gets overly tall or bitter-tasting. If you’re unsure, harvest a single plant early and taste—bittering is the cue to harvest the rest promptly.