• Succession to straw cereals is recommended. Strictly suggested straw harvesting in order not to compromise the soil fertility (carbon/nitrogen ratio).
• The succession of green cover crops of brassicas such as rocket, horseradish and mustard with nematostatic or fungicidal effects is considered excellent.
• Avoid sowing and transplanting in plots that have had particular phytosanitary problems in the previous year.
• Avoid succession to alfalfa, sugar beet, taproot crops and crops that have the same phytosanitary framework (lettuce, endive, fennel, etc.), solanaceous plants (potato, pepper, tomato).
• Pay attention to the persistence of the active herbicide substances used for the previous crop.
• In terms of time, it is suggested to return with the same crop (chicory/radicchio) to the same plot after 4 years.

Fertilization must be based on two important aspects:

1) Precise knowledge of the characteristics of the soil (supply of nutrients).

2) The needs of the crop (removals).

Fertilization must also guarantee minimal environmental impact, both in terms of quantity and method of distribution over time. It is therefore advisable to favor organic fertilization and, for nitrogenous fertilizers, interventions divided over time to minimize losses of fertilizers through leaching.

The ideal stage to transplant seedlings grown from a nursery, is 3-4 true leaves. The seedlings to be transplanted from the nursery must have a uniform green vegetative part, well developed and white roots and be free from any form of animal or plant parasites (mold, bacteria, insects, etc.). For planting spacings and crop densities, the notes already reported for direct sowing apply. When planting it is very important that the collar remains above ground. After transplanting, more or less abundant irrigation is recommended, depending on the season and the nature of the soil, to make the soil adhere to the root, avoid dehydration of the soil and promote rooting.

1) Make sure to keep the humidity level constant and controlled until the emergency.

2) If you have a germination chamber, use it by setting the temperature at 25-28°C.

Note: Chicory has optimal germination at temperatures above 25°C. Ensure this temperature is maintained until seedling emergence.

3) Avoid, if possible, exposure to temperatures above 35°C and below 24°C.

4) The plant is ready for transplanting after 23-25 ​​days at the stage of 4-5 true leaves.

Be careful never to transplant a seedling older than 30 days.

Note: Be careful not to transplant a seedling that is TOO old and/or STRESSED (>30 days), as this FACILITATES BOLTING!

5) Pay attention to attacks by phytoagi (spiders, aphids, thrips and moths) and, in the event of an attack, intervene promptly.

6) Pay particular attention to cleaning/disinfecting containers, choosing the substrate and watering.

For more information, read our How To Grow Radicchio in a Nursery Zine

Irrigation is required especially during the first stages of planting, and in any case when necessary, with quantities of at least 200m³ of water/ha/intervention. The best method to use for an optimal water supply of the plant and for rationalizing water consumption is the use of micro-irrigation.