How to intercrop radicchio
How to intercrop radicchio
Radicchio is a perennial cultivated form of leaf chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum).
This variety is grown as a leafy vegetable and usually has colorful, white-veined red leaves that form a head.
Radicchio has a bitter and spicy flavor but sweetens if grilled or roasted.
Radicchio can be sown in fertile, well-drained soil, which must be enriched with an organic fertilizer such as manure, both mature and pelleted. Just after sowing you need to irrigate. Sowing is usually carried out at intervals, 15 days apart, to have constant production.
Radicchio is a vegetable that can be intercropped. It can be combined with lettuces as it has the same vegetative development and therefore does not compete. Usually these vegetables are compatible with almost everything, but it is advisable to keep radicchio away from parsley.
Radicchio can be intercropped with various plants to encourage mutual growth and improve the health of the garden.
Among the plants with which it is most frequently associated we remember the following:
1. Celery: Celery can help repel whiteflies, which can damage radicchio.
2. Carrots: Carrots can promote the growth of radicchio as they do not compete for the same resources in the soil.
3. Onions and garlic: These plants can act as natural repellents for harmful insects.
4. Beans: They can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can be beneficial to radicchio plants.
5. Strawberries: Strawberries can provide light shade to radicchio and help maintain soil moisture.
6. Spinach: Can be planted next to radicchio as they have similar soil needs and can share nutrients.
7. Tomatoes: They can provide some shade for radicchio and their leaves can repel some pests.
8. Basil: Basil can help repel aphids and add a pleasant aroma to the garden.
However, it is important to consider that plants could influence each other in various ways, so it is advisable to experiment and carefully observe the growth of the plants to find the best combination for your garden.
Furthermore, the plants to be combined must have the same pedoclimatic characteristics.