How to prune 'castelfranco' radicchio

Remove damaged outer leaves throughout the growing season; cut bolt stalks immediately in warm weather. Snap or cut outer leaves cleanly at their base. For bolting stems, cut at soil level. Harvest the whole head by cutting 2–3 cm above the soil — the stump may resprout smaller secondary rosettes in mild conditions.

As needed throughout the season; plants are harvested rather than maintained long-term. Castelfranco radicchio needs minimal pruning. Remove outer leaves that turn yellow, brown, or slimy to keep the rosette healthy and to encourage the loose, variegated head to form. If a flower stalk bolts in heat, cut it off to extend leaf harvest briefly, then pull the whole plant as quality declines fast after bolting.

Snap or cut outer leaves cleanly at their base. For bolting stems, cut at soil level. Harvest the whole head by cutting 2–3 cm above the soil — the stump may resprout smaller secondary rosettes in mild conditions.