How to Start Radicchio From Seed
Radicchio is a cool-season chicory grown for its crisp, often red or burgundy heads. It germinates readily from seed, and cool conditions help it develop its best flavor and color.
Start indoors or direct sow?
Start indoors for an earlier, more uniform crop, or direct sow in cool weather. Young radicchio seedlings transplant well when moved before they become root-bound.
When to start Radicchio seeds
For spring planting, start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost or direct sow 2 to 4 weeks before it. For a fall crop, sow in midsummer so heads mature during cool autumn weather.
How to sow the seeds
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a fine, sterile seed-starting mix in cell packs or 1.5- to 2-inch cells. Cover lightly, firm the mix gently, and keep containers in a bright area once seedlings emerge.
Germination
Seeds typically sprout in 5 to 10 days. Soil temperatures around 60 to 75 F and even moisture promote quick, even germination.
Seedling care
Provide bright light and cool-to-moderate temperatures so seedlings stay compact. Water evenly, thin to one plant per cell, and use clean trays with good airflow to limit damping off.
Transplanting & hardening off
Harden seedlings off for about a week, then transplant 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost or whenever plants have several true leaves and the soil is workable. Space plants about 10 to 12 inches apart, and protect newly planted seedlings from hard freezes.
Tips
Use fresh seed, since chicory-family seed loses vigor with age. Keep spring plants growing steadily, because prolonged cold stress can encourage premature flowering.
General seed-starting guidance for US home gardens; timing depends on your local frost dates and variety. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.