Treviso

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp, cool-hearted heads emerge in about 60 days with a dramatic, wine-dark red over pale ivory ribs—so vivid they look lacquered in the garden.

The leaves are tightly layered and pleasantly bitter, with a clean crunch that holds beautifully from first harvest through the last bite, making Treviso ideal for fresh salads, roasting, and bold braises. Let its elongated form and striking striping inspire you to grow a radicchio that turns everyday meals into something richly seasonal and elegant.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 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 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)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Treviso’s elongated heads hit with sharp, wine-bitter chicory and a snap that doesn’t collapse under a good dose of heat. Treat it like a dramatic bitter—char or braise briefly, then finish with something salty and fatty (anchovy, Parm, olive oil) to smooth the edge without killing the crunch.

Best Uses

shaving raw into salads with a light oil-and-citrus dressing
roasting/charing cut sides until edges go smoky and tender while ribs stay crisp
braising in a small amount of salty liquid to tame bitterness into silky, dark greens
grilling for bitter-sweet char and sturdy leaf structure

Flavor Profile

lively, wine-bitter finish tight, cool crunch earthy chicory bitterness with clean acidity

Kitchen Pairings

Parmigiano-Reggiano balsamic vinegar lemon olive oil anchovy walnuts

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease or pest problem most commonly affects Cichorium intybus (Treviso) and how can I control it?

Fusarium and other soil-borne wilts can show up as sudden leaf yellowing, drooping, and poor regrowth in mid-season. Remove and discard affected plants immediately, avoid replanting chicories/lettuces in the same bed for several years, and keep foliage dry by watering at the soil line rather than over the leaves. If aphids appear, knock them off with a strong water spray and use insecticidal soap as needed, especially on tender inner leaves.

How often should I water Treviso while it’s actively growing (full sun, about 60 days)?

During the main growth period, keep the top 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) of soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for watering when it starts to dry on the surface. In full sun, that often means about 2–3 deep waterings per week, increasing frequency during hot, drying weather. Avoid standing water because chicory roots and crown area are prone to rot when the soil stays wet.

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

Harvest at about 60 days when heads are firm and reach the typical size for your planting spacing, with tight, elongated leaves that snap less easily than immature growth. If you cut too early, leaves stay loose and bitter; if you wait too long, the plant can become stringy. For the best flavor, harvest before significant bolting and before prolonged heat—then use promptly for peak crunch.