[tallulah]

Hi all.  I've been after a lovely salad leaf veg for a couple of years now, which I think calls itself radicchio.  But, when I bought a pack of the seeds and grew them they most definately weren't the same lettuce.  The one I wanted looks a bit like a small red cabbage, with very dense leaves, coloured deep purple red with white veins, and very crispy like an iceberg lettuce.  It is also quite bitter, but absolutely delicious when coated in a honey balsamic dressing.  The one I grew was like a limp little gem!  bitter, but soft, and nowhere near as nice as the crunchy one.  I'm wondering if really its a totally different lettuce, and if anyone has a clue what I'm talking about, please put me out of my misery!

[paintedlady]

Could it be Chicory - Cicoria Rossa di Treviso Precoce (see Seeds of Italy)?

[compostqueen]

yes Radicchio is what you're describing and you can get the seed anywhere. Red treviso is similar but has long elongated leaves, like a Romaine shape. Same sort of thing though and bitter though less bitter once sliced.  Both can be pan fried with garlic or chargilled etc    Easy to grow and very hardy, having said that I failed with Radicchio but I think my seed was too old. The Red Treviso looks gorgeous on the plot  

[tallulah]

Thanks Painted Lady and Compost Queen.  I have just discovered today in Wyevales a packet of seeds with a picture that looks exactly like the veg I'm describing - and you got it PL!  It seems it's a red chicory after all - or to be precise, Chicory Orchidea Rossa.  I bought it quick - there are a mere 6000 seeds in it!