Radicchio (Tardivo), 'Cagnani'

Variety: "Cagnani"
Type: Rosso di Treviso Tardivo
Days to Maturity: 100-110

*Note: 'Cagnani' is a temporary replacement for our own variety 'Incantatore' which is unavailable this year while we grow a new crop for harvest in fall 2026. Bred by our friends at Smarties.bio, it fills the same harvest slot and should perform similarly.

(Cichorium intybus) In our opinion, the forced winter chicories represent the absolute pinnacle of grace and culinary joy in the radicchio family. Distinctively elegant in appearance, “Incantatore" has long slender burgundy leaves with pure white mid-ribs that curl fancifully inwards at the tip. Produced primarily around the town of Treviso, in the Veneto region of northern Italy, this type of radicchio is known as Rosso di Treviso Tardivo and is traditionally “forced", or brought inside (roots and all) in late fall/early winter after growing for months in the field to produce a second, deliciously tender growth in the heart of the rosette. The practice originates from historically lean times when poor rural populations sought out sources of winter-time nourishment. Plants that produced a core of edible greens in the coldest months of the year when brought inside barns and cellars became food of necessity. Ironically, many have now come to be thought of as gourmet culinary treasures like Belgian endive, Treviso Tardivo, and Rosa di Gorizia. The first Italian vegetable to gain IGP, a European protected status for special food products specific to a place of origin (similar to many wines and cheeses) radicchio, Treviso tardivo was celebrated with a producer's exhibition in 1900 which, interrupted only by wartime years, has been held every year since. Use raw in salads, grilled, roasted, sautéed with risotto or pasta. A true source of joy. 
'Cagnani' is a great, mid-season length, main crop which is perfect timing to force for the mid Nov-mid Dec harvest slot.

100-110 days + forcing. 

Packet: 100 seeds