How to Grow Catalogna a Foglia Larga
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Catalogna a Foglia Larga
Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
vegetableCatalogna a Foglia Larga is an Italian chicory variety prized for its large, deeply lobed leaves and slightly bitter flavor. It's a cool-season leafy green that grows as a rosette and is harvested for both leaves and tender shoots. This heirloom variety is popular in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in southern Italy.
When should you plant Catalogna a Foglia Larga in your zone?
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Example Catalogna a Foglia Larga timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Catalogna a Foglia Larga
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Catalogna a Foglia Larga
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; prefers cooler seasons
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Get my Catalogna a Foglia Larga timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksThin, delicate cotyledons emerge followed by small, oblong true leaves
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they reach 2-3 inches tall. Protect from strong winds.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops a basal rosette with increasingly larger, deeply lobed leaves characteristic of the variety
Maintain consistent watering and moderate nitrogen fertilizer. Remove any damaged outer leaves. Weed regularly to reduce competition.
Mature Rosette
2-3 weeksPlant forms a full rosette with large, intricately lobed leaves reaching 12-16 inches in length
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Monitor for pests. Begin light harvesting of outer leaves if desired.
Flowering (Optional)
Variable, 4+ weeksIf left unharvested, plant bolts and produces blue flowers on tall stalks; shoots become more tender and less bitter
If forcing regrowth for shoots, cut plant 2 inches above soil after first harvest. Keep well-watered to encourage tender sprouts.
Harvest-Ready
Peak harvest window 1-2 weeksLeaves are firm, deeply lobed, and at peak flavor; plant is ready for cutting or pulling
Harvest in cool morning hours for best flavor and crispness. Can harvest entire plant or cut outer leaves for continuous production.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning, use copper tape barriers, beer traps, or diatomaceous earth around plants
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Use row covers on young plants, neem oil spray, or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
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Spray with strong water stream, use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Hand-pick, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), row covers, or spinosad spray
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, apply sulfur or fungicide if needed
Uses
Cooked greens and sautéed dishes
CulinaryCatalogna a Foglia Larga is traditionally sautéed with garlic and olive oil, grilled, or cooked in soups. The slightly bitter leaves complement rich flavors and are less astringent when cooked. [source]
Salad greens
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves can be used raw in mixed salads, though mature leaves are better suited to cooking. The distinctive lobed leaves add visual interest and a pleasant bitter note. [source]
Digestive and liver support
MedicinalChicory contains inulin and bitter compounds that may support digestion and liver function. Traditionally used in herbal medicine for digestive health. [source]
Root coffee substitute
HouseholdWhile Catalogna a Foglia Larga is primarily grown for leaves, chicory roots can be roasted and ground as a caffeine-free coffee substitute or additive. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, Catalogna a Foglia Larga produces attractive blue flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, supporting beneficial garden ecosystems. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves once the rosette is well-established (about 55-75 days). For whole-plant harvest, cut 2 inches above soil level in early morning when leaves are crisp. For continuous leaf harvest, remove 2-3 outer leaves per week. In autumn/winter, unharvested plants can be forced to produce tender shoots by covering with straw or in cool storage conditions; cut 2 inches above soil to promote regrowth of blanched sprouts.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Catalogna a Foglia Larga is a traditional heirloom variety from southern Italy, particularly popular in Apulia and Sicily, where it has been cultivated for generations
- 🌱 The name 'Foglia Larga' literally means 'wide leaf' in Italian, referring to the plant's distinctively broad, deeply lobed foliage that sets it apart from other chicory types
- 🌱 This variety can be forced indoors during winter to produce tender, blanched sprouts called 'pan di zucchero' or 'sugar loaf,' creating a completely different culinary experience
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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