Treviso Precoce Mesola

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp as fresh-cut glass, Treviso Precoce Mesola unfurls into elongated, tapered heads with a luminous pale-green heart and a softly blushed outer sheen.

Its flavor is pleasantly early and bright—sweet at the core, with a gentle, pleasantly bitter edge that lingers just enough to make every spoonful feel alive. Grow it for elegant salads and refined braises, or let its tender leaves shine in quick pickles and vibrant sauces.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Treviso Precoce Mesola

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 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
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)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Treviso Precoce Mesola hits with sweet brightness first and a controlled, lingering bitterness—exactly the kind that stands up to sharp acid without getting harsh. Use it crisp under dressing or braise fast for a silkier center; either way, it keeps its elongated bite instead of collapsing.

Best Uses

shaved or torn salads dressed lightly so the crunch stays audible
quick pan-braise/steam-fry to mellow bitterness while keeping structure
vinegar or brine quick-pickles for snap and tangy bite
warm, glossy sauce target: wilt just enough to glaze without turning leathery

Flavor Profile

bright, early sweetness at the heart gentle but present bitter edge crisp, elongated crunch with a pale tender core

Kitchen Pairings

aged balsamic vinegar lemon zest and juice Parmigiano-Reggiano anchovies olive oil butter or browned butter

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Watch for slugs and snails, which can chew leaves soon after transplanting and leave ragged holes. Set bait or use copper barriers around beds, and remove hiding spots like weeds and debris; also water in the morning so foliage dries faster. If you see leaf spots or powdery mildew, improve airflow by spacing plants properly and avoid overhead watering; remove heavily affected leaves to slow spread.

How often should I water Cichorium intybus during the main growing phase to keep it crisp?

During active growth (roughly weeks 3–6 after germination/transplant), keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In full sun, this usually means watering about 2–3 times per week, but adjust to rainfall so the bed never stays soggy. Consistent moisture helps prevent bitterness and poor head formation.

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

Harvest when the plants are about 55 days from sowing/transplanting (per your grow plan) and the hearts are well formed and firm. Leaves should be tightly grouped with reduced looseness at the base; if the plant is getting tall and flowering, quality declines. For best sweetness, harvest on a cool day and avoid letting it sit in warm weather after maturity.