*This seed is offered as part of the "Gusto Italiano Project", a collaborative partnership between Uprising Seeds, Italian breeders Smarties.Bio, and the Culinary Breeding Network. Certified organic seed is grown in Italy by Smarties.Bio.
Variety: 'Acquerello' Type: Variegato di Chioggia Harvest Time (slot): Feb-March (Extra-late)
Over the years, the beautiful speckled heads of radicchio 'Variegato di Chioggia' have fallen a bit out of favor in preference for the similar but earlier maturing 'Lusia' types. For growers who like to push radicchio season to the extremes of late winter harvests, however, it's one to pay attention to. After months of freezing temperatures and snow of the northern Italian winter, these are among the last radicchio harvests through February and into March. By then, hidden under a dubious-looking outer shell of decay, the slightly flattened round heads blanch radient gold with beautiful, deep burgundy flecking. Only mildly bitter, it is lovely shredded for a midwinter salad. With that much time exposed to the elements and the variability of winter conditions they naturally rank higher on the risk/reward scale if left that late to harvest, but when the conditions align for a late season harvest they are a true joy of the winter table.
As with all radicchio, be especially mindful of your planting dates as a successful crop requires a MUCH narrower planting window than most garden vegetables.
