Radicchio 'Botteniga' (Tardivo) Live Plant – Rare Italian Heirloom

The Chef’s Radicchio — Elegant, Rare & Worth the Wait

Botteniga is a Treviso Tardivo-type radicchio — one of the most prized and sought-after varieties in Italian cuisine. Its long, slender burgundy-red leaves with crisp white mid-ribs are visually stunning, and the flavor is tender with a pleasantly refined bitterness. Tardivo types are traditionally forced indoors in winter, producing tightly curled, elegant heads that are a centerpiece of northern Italian winter cooking.

Plants start out entirely green — don’t worry, we really are sending the right plants! The deep burgundy color develops as cool fall 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
• Excellent for forcing indoors in winter — dig roots, bring inside, and produce tight, elegant heads in a cool, dark space
• Treviso Tardivo types shine in fall and early winter

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature height: ~6 inches
• Spread: ~24 inches
• Bloom: Following spring
• 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.