Radicchio variety

Chioggia Radicchio

Chioggia is the classic round red radicchio with white ribs, the type most gardeners picture first. It forms compact heads and is widely available.

About Chioggia

Chioggia is the round, cabbage-like radicchio most familiar to US gardeners and shoppers, forming a tight globe of wine-red leaves marbled with crisp white ribs. It is an Italian heading chicory with a pleasantly bitter, slightly peppery flavor that mellows after cold weather or cooking. Both open-pollinated and hybrid strains are widely available.

Growing Chioggia Radicchio

Sow in mid to late summer for a fall harvest, spacing plants about 8 to 10 inches apart so the heads have room to firm up. Cool nights sweeten the flavor and deepen the red color, so avoid harvesting in summer heat when plants tend to stay green and bolt. Cut once the heads feel firm and dense, and watch for rot or tip burn during prolonged wet spells.

Other radicchio varieties

Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.