Chicory Rossa Di Treviso

Cichorium intybus

Story: This is an Italian heritage, non-forcing variety of chicory that forms tight heads, a lot like a little gem lettuce. The leaves are deep red/burgundy and like most chicory, it has a bitter flavour that is prized for its benefits to the digestive system. It can be eaten raw in salads or cooked and the hearts are particularly delicious. They are a great cold weather crop and grow well throughout winter in light frosts when nothing else is growing. 

When growing for seed saving the plants get really huge (reaching about 6-7 foot in height) and are very beautiful with burgundy/green leaves and sky blue, daisy-like flowers.

When to sow: Sow March-August indoor or direct 

Requirements: Moist, nutrient-rich soil.

When to harvest for eating: Cut leaves or entire stems as needed. 

When to harvest for seed: In the second year of growth towards the end of summer as seeds begin to turn brown on the plant.

Seed Contributors: Omved Gardens 

Isolation needed: Yes 

Saving Seed From Chicory: Isolation: Chicory is insect pollinated and does cross easily with other varieties of chicory, including wild chicory. Though they can only cross when in flower, as chicory as a food crop is harvested in leaf stage, before it flowers it should not be too much of a problem. If you would like to grow multiple varieties for food simply harvest before they come to flower. Growing for seed saving: Chicory is biennial, allow it to overwinter in situ (cover with fleece or bring inside if temperatures may fall below -7). Allow at least 5 healthy plants to come to flower if you plan to save seed (10 or more would be even better for proper genetic maintenance). When in flower the plants will get huge. Allow them to set seed and for the seed heads to begin to dry on the plant. Cut the stems and bring inside to hang and dry thoroughly then crumble the seeds from the stems - this can be laborious. Try to get as much seed and large chaff separate from the tiny seeds but don't worry about getting it too clean - we have a machine to finish of the job.

Number of plants to save seeds from: 5-10 minimum, 10 - 20 or more is ideal

Pollination: Insect pollinated  

How to send back seed: Please label all seed with variety, type, date and your name nad contact. If you didn't get a chance to fill out our online data collection form, you can also send us a few lines about how it grew for you/flavour etc. Please aim to send back 1/2 cup of dried seed or more so that we can continue to share with network members. Send to: The Seed Saving Network, Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, N6 5JF.

Please remember, if you’re an individual grower you can order up to 4 packets of seeds. If you order more than this, you will receive just four packs to begin with. This is to ensure we get plenty of data in return and to keep our stocks sustainable for years to come.* 

*Community groups, seed guardians and Experienced Growers can order larger quantities, please email us at info@seedsaving.network if this is the case.

If an item is out of stock we will send a close alternative.