Radicchio 'Mirabella' (Castelfranco) Live Plant – Extra-Early Italian Heirloom, Zones 5–9

The Mildest, Most Lettuce-Like Radicchio You Can Grow

Mirabella is an extra-early (65-day) variety of Variegato di Castelfranco — a winter salad radicchio prized for its stunning, speckled cream-and-red leaves and remarkably mild, tender flavor. Unlike the sharper bitterness of Treviso types, Castelfranco is so gentle it can easily be mistaken for lettuce. It’s the perfect gateway radicchio for those new to the category.

Plants start out entirely green — don’t worry, we really are sending the right plants! Color and variegation develop as cool temperatures arrive.

Seasonal Notes

• Best planted: Once the hottest part of summer has passed — late August or early September in zone 7b (Maryland)
• Overwinters well in zones 7b+ without protection; outer leaves may look rough in January but regrow in February
• Can be brought indoors and forced in cooler regions for earlier harvest
• Castelfranco types shine in late winter and very early spring, producing the most tender leaves of any radicchio

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature height: ~6 inches
• Spread: ~24 inches
• Bloom: Following spring
• Days to maturity: ~65 days (extra-early)
• Type: Biennial grown as annual/perennial

What You’ll Receive

Well-rooted plants in 2.5" pots, shipped August–October for fall planting. Select your quantity above.

Shipping Restrictions

We cannot ship to: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Oregon, or Mississippi.

Our Guarantee

Every plant is guaranteed to arrive healthy. If something looks off upon delivery, message us with a photo — all plants are insured for transit issues. Once a healthy plant is in your hands, we’re happy to answer care questions, though we can’t be responsible for post-delivery care.