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.
Harvesting: Cut leaves or entire stems as needed.
Seed Contributors: Omved Gardens
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 site (cover with fleece or bring inside if temperatures may fall below -7). Allow at least 5 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.
How to return seed: Please send back at least 2 tablespoons of seed or more to the network. Label with the variety, date and your name and contact. Send to: Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, London N6 5JF
* We didn't manage to get a snap of it in its prime eating stage but the red colour really is vibrant!
please remember, we will only send out three packs of seed to first-season growers. if you order more than this, you are likely to receive just three 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.
