Tardivo

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp as morning air, Tardivo radicchio forms tall, elegant heads with a dramatic blush of deep burgundy to near-black at the edges and a pale, creamy core that stays tender.

The leaves are tightly layered and pleasantly snappy, turning especially vivid in cool weather for striking contrast and a clean, bittersweet bite. Grow Tardivo for bold salads and composed platters, or for roasting and braising where its color deepens and its texture holds beautifully in sauces and reductions.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 65 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 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Tardivo’s tightly layered leaves give you a stylish crunch-first bite—bitterness that sharpens as it cools, then softens toward the pale core instead of collapsing. It browns beautifully at the edges and stays structurally sound, so it earns its keep in hot reductions as much as composed, bitter-sweet salads.

Best Uses

tear-and-dress salads where it holds crunch under vinaigrette
pan-sautéed or roasted wedges to caramelize edges without turning mushy
braises and reductions for burgundy depth and sauce-friendly structure

Flavor Profile

clean, bittersweet snap earthy chicory bitterness with a creamy core tender crunch in cool weather

Kitchen Pairings

lemon balsamic vinegar Parmigiano-Reggiano goat cheese pancetta olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to affect Cichorium intybus (Tardivo), and what should I do?

Watch for foliar downy mildew and powdery mildew, which show up as grayish/pale patches or a white dusty coating on leaves during humid spells. Remove and discard the worst leaves, improve airflow around the plants, and avoid wetting foliage at watering time. If the problem spreads, use a labeled fungicide suitable for leafy vegetables and reapply according to the label after 5–7 days.

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

During active growth (roughly weeks 1–8), keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—typically about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 deeper waterings if it’s hot or windy. Aim for consistent moisture so roots develop well; let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot. Mulching helps stabilize moisture without soaking the crown.

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

Harvest at about 65 days from sowing (or when plants reach this maturity window) and when the leaves are fully developed but before extended hard freezes. For Tardivo’s typical use, you’ll also want roots big enough to support forcing; use roots that are firm and well-formed rather than slender. If you’re harvesting for roots first, dig when growth has slowed and the crown is sturdy, then proceed with your intended forcing/storage method.