Stella Rosa is an outstanding pink radicchio that brings color and elegance to the cool-season garden. This open-pollinated cultivar of Cichorium intybus matures in 115 days and thrives in the compact growth habit typical of modern radicchio breeding. Hardy enough to plant as early as spring soil can be worked, it prefers the crisp temperatures of 60-65°F where it develops its distinctive appearance and flavor. A significant improvement over older radicchio varieties, Stella Rosa represents decades of breeding work aimed at reliability and quality for North American growers.
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Moderate
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The pink coloring alone sets Stella Rosa apart in a sea of traditional red radicchios, making it visually striking in both garden and kitchen. Bred specifically for North American growing conditions, this variety handles the unpredictability of temperate climates better than heritage types, though succession plantings still help ensure consistent harvests. Its compact growth habit means it fits neatly into smaller garden spaces while maintaining the frost-hardy constitution that lets you stretch the growing season well into autumn.
As a leafy vegetable in the chicory family, Stella Rosa radicchio is prepared fresh in salads where its crisp texture and distinctive flavor shine, or cooked through roasting, braising, or sautéing to mellow and sweeten the leaves. The compact head makes it practical for smaller households or those wanting individual portions.
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Sow seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting outdoors in seed flats at a density of 4 seeds per inch or in 3/4-inch plug trays, barely covering seeds with fine vermiculite. Keep soil temperature below 75°F until germination, shading flats on warm, sunny days if necessary. Germination occurs at temperatures between 55-75°F. About 2 weeks after germination, transplant seedlings 1-2 inches apart into flats, pots, or cell-type containers for further development before hardening off.
Harden seedlings by reducing water and temperature for 2-3 days before transplanting outdoors. Transplant properly hardened seedlings into the garden when soil temperature is suitable for cool-season growth; this variety can be planted as early as soil can be worked in spring. Space according to mature plant size, using succession plantings to determine optimal spacing and timing for your specific conditions.
Harvest at 115 days from transplanting when heads have formed and reached harvestable size. As a frost-hardy variety, Stella Rosa can remain in the garden through light frosts, and some gardeners prefer harvesting after a light frost, which can enhance sweetness in the leaves. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife.
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“Stella Rosa represents the evolution of radicchio breeding for modern gardeners. Johnny's Selected Seeds, the exclusive source for this variety, developed it as part of a broader effort to create radicchio cultivars suited to North American production. Rather than the temperamental heirlooms that dominated earlier generations, Stella Rosa was bred to perform reliably across varied conditions, though breeders freely acknowledge that radicchio remains somewhat unpredictable and benefits from trial plantings. The pink coloring itself is a notable departure from the deep crimson or variegated types that dominated seed catalogs, reflecting intentional selection for both ornamental appeal and practical garden performance.”