Verona Red

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp as a cool morning breeze, Verona Red forms tight, upright heads with a jewel-toned blush—deep red to wine-purple at the ribs and edges, fading to a pale, creamy heart.

The leaves are pleasantly bitter-sweet and wonderfully crunchy, holding their snap for fresh salads and vibrant garnishes. Grow it for striking color and a bold, radicchio-forward bite that shines in braises, roasted plates, and tangy sauces.

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

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Verona Red is a radicchio meant to be heard: its upright heads deliver sharp, bitter-sweet crunch that stands up to punchy acid and salty fats. When heat is applied, the ribs go tender while the leaf edges still crisp, making it a great choice for braises and roasted wedges that taste like a wine-bar side dish.

Best Uses

shaved or chunked raw salads with bold vinaigrette that clings to crisp edges
braised in a little olive oil until the ribs soften but the leaves don’t go limp
roasted or grilled wedges to caramelize the edges and tame bitterness
tossed into tangy sauces and reductions where bitterness steadies richness

Flavor Profile

bold bitter-sweet chicory bite crisp, tight leaf snap tangy, winey bitterness that mellows with heat clean, dry finish

Kitchen Pairings

balsamic vinegar lemon olive oil Parmigiano-Reggiano pecorino anchovy

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease problem on Cichorium intybus (Verona Red) and how do I treat it?

Watch for aphids and leaf spot/gray mold, which show up as curled leaves or small dark spots that spread in cool, damp weather. Rinse off aphids with a strong water spray and release or encourage beneficial insects, then remove heavily spotted leaves to reduce spread. Improve airflow between plants and avoid overhead watering; if leaf spots persist, use a labeled fungicide for leafy vegetables and start at the first signs.

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

Keep soil evenly moist from sprouting through the 45–55 day growth window, especially while leaves are rapidly expanding. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry—typically about 1 inch per week total, adjusted for heat and wind—then water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone. Avoid letting the soil swing between dry and waterlogged, which can trigger stress and increase disease pressure.

How can I tell when Verona Red (Cichorium intybus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach the typical mature leaf size for your bed and the leaves look firm and fully expanded, usually around 55 days from sowing. If you’re harvesting as cut-and-come-again, take outer leaves first while the center remains tight and not yet overly elongated. For best flavor, harvest in the morning and avoid waiting until leaves are very bitter or starting to bolt.