Radicchio, Verona Red

(Cichorium intybus) 85 days. [Named for the Italian region where it originated.] Beautiful red leaves and white stalks. Zesty flavor develops best in cool weather. Normally planted in mid-summer for fall harvest, can withstand light frosts. Pkt (1 g, 450 seeds)

Growing instructions: Grown like lettuce and sensitive to hot weather. Thin plants to 8-12 in. apart in rows 18 in. apart. May be blanched in 3 weeks by tying up the outer wrapper leaves, but must re main dry inside the wrapper. Blanching increases crispness, tenderness, and removes bitterness caused by hot weather. For prolonged harvest, dig plants in late fall with root ball intact and store at about 50°F in a root cellar.