How to Grow Catalogna Friariello
Wikimedia Commons
Catalogna Friariello
Cichorium intybus var. catalogna
vegetableCatalogna Friariello, also known as Italian Dandelion or Asparagus Chicory, is a leafy green vegetable with tender shoots and deeply lobed leaves resembling dandelion greens. It produces both edible leaves and elongated flower buds that resemble miniature broccoli heads. This Italian heirloom variety is prized for its slightly bitter, complex flavor and nutritional density.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Catalogna Friariello in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Catalogna Friariello timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Catalogna Friariello
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Catalogna Friariello
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Catalogna Friariello dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; prefers cooler seasons for best flavor and leaf tenderness
Sign up free to see if Catalogna Friariello grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Catalogna Friariello timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysTiny cotyledons emerge; first true leaves are deeply lobed and dandelion-like
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they develop true leaves. Protect from slugs and snails with netting or barriers
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysRosette of deeply lobed, feathery leaves develops close to the ground; leaves become larger and more abundant
Water regularly and deeply. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Begin light harvesting of outer leaves once plant is 6-8 inches tall
Shoot Development
15-25 daysElongated flower shoots emerge from the center of the rosette, resembling thin asparagus or broccoli spears with clustered buds at the tips
Maintain consistent watering to ensure tender, non-bitter shoots. Stop harvesting outer leaves once shoots form to direct energy upward. Remove any flowers that open to encourage more bud production
Budding & Flowering
10-15 daysShoots develop tight, clustered flower buds that are edible at this stage; buds may open into blue or purple flowers if left unharvested
Harvest shoots when buds are tight and compact, before flowers open. Morning harvest yields crispest, most tender shoots. Remove spent shoots to encourage secondary shoot production
Harvest & Post-Production
30+ days depending on climatePlant enters secondary production phase, producing smaller shoots and side branches; overall vigor may decline in extreme heat
Continue regular harvesting to prolong production. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade or increase water frequency. Cool-season varieties produce longest into fall
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
and
Hand-pick early morning or evening; use beer traps, copper tape barriers, or diatomaceous earth. Encourage ground beetles and birds
-
Use floating row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; plant trap crops like radishes nearby
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings with flowering herbs
-
Remove heavily infested leaves; use floating row covers; introduce parasitic wasps; spinosad spray in severe cases
-
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur dust or baking soda solution; remove infected leaves
Uses
Sautéed shoots and greens
CulinaryCatalogna shoots are tender and slightly bitter when cooked, excellent sautéed with garlic and olive oil or braised. Young leaves can be added raw to salads or cooked like spinach. [source]
Italian pasta & grain dishes
CulinaryFriariello is traditional in Southern Italian cuisine, particularly in Neapolitan pasta dishes like Pasta con Friarielli. The slightly bitter flavor complements hearty grains and legumes. [source]
Digestive and liver support
MedicinalCatalogna contains inulin and bitter compounds that may support digestive function and liver health. Traditionally used in Mediterranean herbalism for biliary stimulation. [source]
Nutritional powerhouse
HouseholdRich in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as folate, potassium, and antioxidants. Very low in calories with high fiber content, supporting overall nutrition. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeIf flowers are allowed to bloom, they provide valuable nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations. [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 when plants reach 6-8 inches tall for tender baby greens (45-50 days). For mature chicory shoots, harvest when tight flower buds are compact and shoots are 6-8 inches long, cutting just above soil line or at the base of the shoot. Morning harvest yields crispest texture. Cut shoots will regenerate secondary shoots for continued harvesting. Plants produce best in cool seasons (spring and fall); summer heat may increase bitterness. In mild climates, plants can be harvested through winter
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Catalogna Friariello has been cultivated for centuries in Southern Italy, particularly in Calabria and Campania, where it remains a beloved traditional vegetable appearing in markets and family gardens throughout the cool season.
- 🌱 Unlike some chicories that require forcing or blanching, Friariello produces its tender edible shoots naturally without special techniques, making it more accessible for home gardeners.
- 🌱 The name 'friarielli' comes from the Neapolitan dialect and the shoots resemble small broccoli florets, which is why it's sometimes called 'asparagus chicory' in English-speaking countries—though it's unrelated to either asparagus or conventional broccoli.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Catalogna Friariello planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Catalogna Friariello seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Catalogna Friariello timeline →