How to Grow

From seed

Fill start pots or trays with seed raising mix.

Sow seeds 10mm deep, cover, follow distance between plants from planting guide.

Firm down and water well.

Keep the soil moist so the seeds don't dry out.

While the seedlings are growing, choose a sunny spot in the garden and prepare the planting area well by loosening the soil, and digging in plant food.

Once seedlings have emerged, feed with plant food.

Allow seedlings to grow to 3-4cm before transplanting.

From seedling

When transplanting into your garden, fertilize garden with plant food, thin out weak plants and ensure seedlings are well spaced (30cm apart).

Mulch with organic mulch.

Feed weekly with plant food.

In a pot

Choose a pot or trough at least 30cm wide and deep.

Position in full sun.

Follow seed-> seedling -> harvest guide.

Ready to harvest

Harvest individual leaves as they grow or harvest whole heads then they're firm to touch.

Collect seed

When your Radicchio plants are flowering, watch the forecasts for rain and harvest early if needed.

You can harvest as early as two weeks after the flowers open.

You can pull the whole plant, roots and all and allow it to dry upside down in a well-ventilated area protected from the elements for further seed development.

You can also cut the seed stalks off as they mature and place them in a paper bag for drying.

To clean the seeds, shake the seed heads into a large bowl or bag to loosen the seed.

The seeds are small and light, just barely heavier than the chaff so the best way to clean them for long term storage is to rub them through seed screens.

The right size will have the chaff fall through and the seeds will stay on top.

If you are only storing until the following season, you can probably get away with storing your seeds with the fluff and just planting the seeds and fluff together the next year.