Description
Variegated Lusia Radicchio (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum), known in Italian as Radicchio Variegato di Lusia, is a traditional Italian leafy vegetable prized for its beautiful rounded heads and delicately coloured leaves. Its attractive foliage features a mixture of creamy-white, pale green and reddish-pink markings, creating a colourful addition to home vegetable gardens.
With its crisp texture and mild, slightly bitter flavour, Variegated Lusia Radicchio is perfect for fresh salads, grilling, roasting and traditional Mediterranean dishes. It grows particularly well during Malta’s cooler months, when its distinctive colours and tender leaves develop.
🌱 Growing Instructions
☀️ Sunlight: Prefers full sun, with at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Benefits from partial afternoon shade during warmer weather.
💧 Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering encourages tender leaves and healthy head development.
🌱 Soil: Plant in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
🌡️ Temperature: Grows best between 10°C–20°C. Cooler autumn temperatures encourage attractive leaf colouring and compact head development.
📏 Spacing: Allow approximately 30–35 cm between plants for healthy growth and good air circulation.
🌾 Fertilizer: Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth, following product instructions.
✂️ Harvesting: Harvest when the rounded head is firm, compact and fully developed. Typically ready approximately 60–120 days after transplanting, depending on the selection and growing conditions.
🌿 Local Growing Tips (Malta)
Best planting season: September to November, for growing and harvesting during Malta’s cooler months. Earlier planting may suit early-maturing selections.
Position: Sunny vegetable gardens, raised beds or large containers with fertile soil and good drainage.
Companion plants: Lettuce, carrots, onions and radishes.
Common issue: Excessive heat and irregular watering can encourage premature flowering (bolting) or poor head formation. Maintain consistent soil moisture and protect plants from intense heat.
📦 Product Information
Variety: Variegato di Lusia (Variegated Lusia Radicchio)
Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
Plant Type: Leafy Vegetable Seedling
Quantity: 12 Seedlings per Tray
Maturity: Approximately 60–120 days after transplanting, depending on selection
Harvest Season: Autumn to Winter
Special Characteristics: Attractive rounded heads with creamy-white, pale green and reddish-pink variegated leaves, crisp texture and a mild, pleasantly bitter flavour.
Important Information
Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The price is per one tray of 12 seedlings.
