Troubleshooting
Radicchio 'Rossa di Treviso' problems — and how to fix them
Radicchio 'Rossa di Treviso' (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum 'Rossa di Treviso') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Bolting in heat or drought
Sowing too early or letting soil dry out makes plants run to seed before hearting. Sow from early-to-mid summer for autumn heads and keep moisture even.
Weak red colour
Colour develops with cooling autumn temperatures and light frost. Heads grown only in warm weather stay green and bitter; time the crop for cooling weather to redden the leaves.
Rot and grey mould in hearts
Dense, damp heads invite Botrytis and bacterial rot. Space plants well, water at the base, and harvest before prolonged wet spells; remove any slimy outer leaves promptly.
Slug and snail damage
Slugs shelter in the loose, leafy heads and graze young leaves. Use barriers or traps and clear debris from around plants, especially in damp autumn conditions.
Prevent radicchio 'rossa di treviso' problems before they start
Most radicchio 'rossa di treviso' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common chicory problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Radicchio 'Rossa di Treviso' watering schedule
- Radicchio 'Rossa di Treviso' light requirements
- Best soil mix for radicchio 'rossa di treviso'
- Radicchio 'Rossa di Treviso' temperature & humidity
- Full radicchio 'rossa di treviso' care guide
Looking for radicchio 'rossa di treviso' in general rather than its problems? Read the full radicchio 'rossa di treviso' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Radicchio 'Rossa di Treviso' problems — FAQ
Why is my radicchio 'rossa di treviso' bolting in heat or drought?
Sowing too early or letting soil dry out makes plants run to seed before hearting. Sow from early-to-mid summer for autumn heads and keep moisture even.
Why is my radicchio 'rossa di treviso' weak red colour?
Colour develops with cooling autumn temperatures and light frost. Heads grown only in warm weather stay green and bitter; time the crop for cooling weather to redden the leaves.
Why is my radicchio 'rossa di treviso' rot and grey mould in hearts?
Dense, damp heads invite Botrytis and bacterial rot. Space plants well, water at the base, and harvest before prolonged wet spells; remove any slimy outer leaves promptly.
Why is my radicchio 'rossa di treviso' slug and snail damage?
Slugs shelter in the loose, leafy heads and graze young leaves. Use barriers or traps and clear debris from around plants, especially in damp autumn conditions.