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Radicchio Seeds, Variegated of Lusia
A head of Variegated of Lusia Radicchio on a bed of chopped leaved on a white background.
A cut head of Variegated of Lusia Radicchio with a knife on a white background.
A couple of heads of Variegated of Lusia Radicchio with a bowl full of salad on a white background.
A single head of Variegated of Lusia Radicchio surrounded by cut leaves on a white background.
A head of Variegated of Lusia Radicchio with cut leaves.
Radicchio Seeds, Variegated of Lusia
A head of Variegated of Lusia Radicchio on a bed of chopped leaved on a white background.
A cut head of Variegated of Lusia Radicchio with a knife on a white background.
A couple of heads of Variegated of Lusia Radicchio with a bowl full of salad on a white background.
A single head of Variegated of Lusia Radicchio surrounded by cut leaves on a white background.
A head of Variegated of Lusia Radicchio with cut leaves.

Radicchio Seeds,
Variegated of Lusia

SKU: #RC113
Price
Regular price $3.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.00
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Min. 200 seeds

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Description

A standout in our trials and Jere’s personal favorite, this is radicchio reimagined. Variegated of Lusia-Crosara grows into softly rounded heads of tender green leaves, wildly flecked with streaks and spots of purple, lavender, and cream. It’s a painter’s palette of a plant, but the real surprise is the flavor, complex and bright, with floral, earthy, and umami notes wrapped in gentle sweetness and just a hint of pungency. Unlike more bitter types, this one sings solo. It’s ideal for radicchio-only salads where its flavour profile can shine, bold, clean, and deeply satisfying. One bite and you’ll see why it’s the top pick for chefs and growers alike. A rare, radiant variety that’s both beauty and flavor in full bloom.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cichorium intybus
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
80–90
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
55–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Variegated of Lusia-Crosara can be direct sown or started in trays. Sow it in August for a fall crop, the sowing that usually gives the better heads, or start it 8 weeks before your last frost date for spring, moving seedlings to the garden once the hard frosts have passed, since a long cold spell on young plants can push this biennial into bloom rather than into a head. Set seed 1/4 inch deep; it sprouts in 7 to 14 days, and the softly rounded, purple-flecked heads are ready 80 to 90 days from sowing.

How to Sow and Plant

  • For spring planting, sow seeds 8 weeks before last frost date and transplant out 4 weeks later. (The plants can handle the cold!)
  • Sow seeds indoors ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart.
  • For fall planting (which usually yields better results), sow seeds into trays in the very same way in August.
  • Seeds germinate in 5-10 days.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 45-75 F.

How to Grow

  • Prepare bed with quality compost, and be sure to keep plants consistently moist.
  • Transplant into the garden, 8-10 inches apart.
  • Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and control temperature swings.
  • In order to achieve the perfect red and white blanched heads, you will need to carefully dig the plants and place them in a dark shed or root cellar, where they can remain cold and completely away from sunlight.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Fungus can be a problem when warm weather and excessive moisture are factors.
  • To control rot, avoid overwatering or watering close to harvest time. Use drip irrigation, and do not plant radicchio in the same garden location year after year.
  • If flea beetles are a pest in your area, cover small plants with a floating row cover to protect from damage.

How to Save Seeds

  • You will need to overwinter radicchio, as it is a biennial and will take two seasons to flower and produce seed.
  • You may find that your plants bolt in the first season. Do not save these seeds; wait for the next season’s flowers.
  • Cut down flower stalks when seed pods begin to dry.
  • Place them in a bag and crush the pods to remove the seeds.

FAQ

What does Variegated of Lusia taste like compared to other radicchio?

The flavor is complex and bright, with floral, earthy, and umami notes wrapped in gentle sweetness and just a hint of pungency. Unlike more bitter types, this one sings solo, so it is ideal for radicchio-only salads.

Does Variegated of Lusia need blanching to look its best?

No. Its color is in the leaf itself, tender green streaked and spotted with purple, lavender, and cream, so it does not need the dark shed or root cellar used to force red and white heads on other radicchio. Grow it out in the open bed, transplanted 8 to 12 inches apart into quality compost and kept consistently moist.

Anything to watch for on young Variegated of Lusia plants?

If flea beetles are a pest in your area, cover small plants with a floating row cover to protect from damage. Otherwise, avoid overwatering and do not plant radicchio in the same garden location year after year.

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