Chicory Palla Rossa 3

What Chicory Palla Rossa 3 is

Chicory Palla Rossa 3 (Cichorium intybus) is a perennial vegetable of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). This is a very reliable variety from Italy, relatively easy to grow as it consistently forms nice heads.

It has perhaps the greatest colour contrast of the red chicories, with the most intense colour appearing in late autumn in cool weather.

It is known for its compactness, size and flavour. Palla means "ball" and Rossa means "red" in Italian.

It can be scattered among the plants in your garden, the red leaves are very striking and it grows well under the leaves of other plants in partial shade.

Chicory (radicchio, sugarloaf chicory) is a crunchy, bittersweet salad for autumn and winter.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 92%
• Seeds per packet: 612–828 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: Italy
• Sowing: May – July; direct
• Harvest: August – December
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Chicory Palla Rossa 3

Chicory Palla Rossa 3 seeds are sown in May – July. Harvest in August – December. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Chicory Palla Rossa 3

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Chicory is a food rich in vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure and fight hypertension. The plant is a powerful antioxidant. To improve the quality of the vegetable, it is important to water twice a week, up to four times depending on sun exposure and outside temperature. Annual leaf chicory is a great winter vegetable. Seedlings can be prepared in advance in March-April. It should only be sown from mid-June. Sowing depth is 0.5-1 cm, ideal germination temperature: +20-25°C. Germinates without complications in 7-14 days. Planting distance: 30-40 cm. Loves sunny to semi-shaded spots with permeable, humus-rich soil. 8-12 weeks after sowing the firm heads can be harvested. Suitable for storage.

Sow from May to July; thin in good time and water in drought.

Harvest and use

Pick the heads in autumn — frosts soften the bitterness.

Frequently asked questions

When should Chicory Palla Rossa 3 be sown?

The recommended sowing months are May – July. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 612–828 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 92%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why is chicory bitter?

Bitterness is characteristic of the species; frosts and blanching soften it.