How to Grow Radicchio in New Zealand
An Italian bitter-leaf chicory whose heads tighten and colour up in cool weather, with flavour mellowing after cold. It suits cooler and southern districts well. In the warm north, sow from late summer into autumn for the best heads.
When to plant radicchio in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best radicchio varieties for NZ
- Palla Rossa (Red Ball) — Round red and white heading chicory that firms up in the cold. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Treviso — Elongated red leaves on white ribs, good grilled or in salads. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
How to grow radicchio
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 80 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow radicchio near: Beans, Carrot, Lettuce.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Slugs, Snails. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Radicchio plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant radicchio in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy radicchio seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.