Sugar Chicory from Trieste (Chicorium intybus L)

Cicoria Zuccherina di Trieste (Cichorium intybus L.): a very blond early variety of leave radicchio, named because of the soft taste of the leaves, ready in a month from planting. If a bitter taste is wanted, they should be allowed to grow a few more days. It can be sown all year round in the South (Italy), while in the north-central you have to avoid the colder months. Very easy to cultivate, it gives its best if sown in September-October, due to the prolonged harvest, but it will still provide satisfaction even if sown in March. Due to its great precocity, it is a variety that can also be grown at prohibitive altitudes for other vegetables (in the hot season, of course). It suffers water stagnation, water excess should be avoided.