Chicory – Variegata di Castelfranco (Autumn)

Colourful leaves for winter salads

These are such gorgeous leaves for winter growing, with freckle-like red flecks. The leaves can be used as cut-and-come again for salads while the plant is quite young. In the heart of the winter, when it reaches maturity, you are better off harvesting the whole heart and cooking it to eat. You’ll find that the red flecks gradually darken as the plant matures. Plant in September and October approx 25cm apart in raised beds, traditional veg patches or in pots and planters. They are frost tolerant and can be grown outside very happily.

Number of plants: 10 plug plants

Variety: Variegata di Castelfranco (organic*)

In the kitchen: Can be used in salads or cooked. Try blanching it or braised.

*Transplants suitable for organic growing.