Treviso Red Precoce

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp as a fresh-cut jewel, Treviso Red Precoce unfurls into elongated heads with a vivid ruby-red blush over creamy ribs—tender, snappy, and pleasantly bittersweet.

Expect a delicate crunch with a refined, early-season bite that shines in salads and brightens braises, gratins, and roasted platters. Grow it for its striking color and elegant, tapered form—an eye-catching radicchio you’ll want to harvest again and again.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Treviso Red Precoce

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)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Treviso Red Precoce has that tight, elongated crunch plus a bittersweet edge that shows up fast—so dress it with acid and fat rather than heavy sauces. Roast or braise it just until the red edges sweeten and the ribs turn creamy, then finish with salt and cheese for a clean, lingering bite.

Best Uses

torn-leaf salads with a sharp vinaigrette (keeps crunch)
roasted or broiled wedges to caramelize the red edges
braises/roasts where it softens without turning mushy
gratin or warm pasta where the ribs stay pleasantly toothsome

Flavor Profile

crisp, juicy snap pleasantly bittersweet bite creamy-rib tenderness with a clean finish early-season, slightly delicate bitterness

Kitchen Pairings

balsamic vinegar lemon parmesan pecorino romano prosciutto olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease or pest commonly affects Cichorium intybus (Treviso rosso) seedlings or heads, and what should I do?

In Cichorium intybus, watch for slugs and aphids that can weaken young leaves and lead to sooty mold on honeydew. Inspect plants daily and remove aphids with a strong water jet or insecticidal soap, and use copper barriers or beer traps for slugs—especially after damp evenings. If you see leaf spots spreading, remove badly affected leaves immediately and keep foliage dry by watering at the base rather than overhead.

How often should I water Treviso Red Precoce during the main growing phase (to 55 days to maturity)?

Keep the soil consistently evenly moist from transplanting/germination through bulking, aiming for a damp (not waterlogged) root zone. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat—more often if the top 1 inch of soil dries out, less if mornings stay cool and humid. Stop overwatering once heads start forming, because constantly wet soil increases disease pressure and can stunt root growth.

How do I tell when Treviso Red Precoce (Cichorium intybus) is ready to harvest at about 55 days?

Harvest when the plants have formed tight, firm heads and the leaf structure feels solid when gently squeezed—about 55 days after sowing/transplanting per your timeline. Look for fully developed, elongated leaves with a clear, compact rosette; if leaves are still loose and open, give it more time. For best texture and flavor, harvest before extreme heat and before prolonged wilting occurs.