### Palla Rossa Precoce Chicory (Cicoria)
**Latin Name:** *Cichorium intybus*
### Description
Palla Rossa Precoce, also known as Early Red Ball Radicchio, is a type of chicory that forms compact, round heads with bright red leaves and white veins. The leaves are tender and crunchy, offering a slightly bitter flavor that adds a unique taste to salads and other dishes. This variety is known for its striking color contrast, especially in the cooler months of late autumn.
### How to Grow in the Garden
1. **Planting Time:** Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Radicchio prefers cooler weather and develops its best color and flavor in the fall.
2. **Soil Preparation:** Choose well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8. Work compost into the soil before planting to provide nutrients.
3. **Sowing Seeds:** Sow seeds 0.5 inches deep and space them 10-14 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 10-14 inches apart once they have 3-4 leaves.
4. **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods.
5. **Fertilization:** Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost to encourage healthy growth.
6. **Harvesting:** Harvest radicchio heads when they are firm and have reached their mature size, typically 75-80 days after sowing. The best color and flavor develop in cool weather, so aim to harvest before the first frost.
### Days to Harvest
Palla Rossa Precoce radicchio typically takes about 75-80 days to reach maturity from sowing.
Growing this Italian heirloom variety can add a vibrant touch to your garden and a delightful flavor to your meals. Are you planning to add it to your garden this season? 🌱