Catalogna Katrina F1

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Cichorium

Species

intybus

Description

A vegetable grown for food, prized for its leaves or, more generally, for its head – which varies in texture from crisp to tender – and whose flavour has notes of bitterness or sweetness. It is commercially available in a wide range of varieties, such as Catalogna, puntarelle and radicchio.

Easy to grow, it prefers a full-sun position in well-drained soil and watering carefully tailored to its needs, particularly during the summer months.

Variety description

This variety belongs to the ‘Gigante di Chioggia’ group. It has a medium-early growing season and can be grown all year round, provided the minimum biological temperature requirements are met. The plant has an upright growth habit, good uniformity and very few lateral shoots. The leaves are serrated, a deep, bright green colour with a white midrib and are quite supple. Katrina has excellent tolerance to pre-flowering. It is primarily intended for fresh consumption.

Curiosities and special features

Chicory leaves, whether raw or cooked, are low in calories and rich infibre, minerals and vitamins; depending on the variety, they are widely appreciated and used in cooking for salads, omelettes, savoury tarts, soups or as an accompaniment to meat dishes and risottos.

The leaves are also recommended for promoting healthy bowel function and digestion.

Origin and distribution

Chicory, or wild radicchio – the ancestor of the varieties currently cultivated – is native to the Eurasian and southern European region; in the past, it was gathered from uncultivated fields for its edible young leaves, which were also used in folk medicine, but above all, from the 16th century onwards, for its root, which, when roasted, was used to make an infusion serving as a substitute or surrogate for coffee.

Leaf

The leaves have jagged laminae.

Fruit

The Foglia-costa has an elongated shape and weighs between 600 and 1200 g, with a length of 40 to 60 cm. Its texture is characterised by tender leaves combined with a crisp stalk. The flavour is fresh and mild, with a characteristic, aromatic, slightly bitter taste, whilst the aroma is intense yet delicate; it is not particularly fragrant. The colour is two-toned and uniform. Available all year round in terms of ripening period, it is one of the main cultivated varieties, characterised by a fairly vigorous plant with leaves that are always well-spread and of good overall quality. The variety is distinguished by its good organoleptic characteristics.

Flowering period

Flowering takes place in the year following planting, from mid-spring to early summer, and lasts between 25 and 40 days.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.5 to 0.7 m.

Lifespan

Cultivated as an annual.

Where to plant

A variety suitable for growing in flowerbeds, large pots, open ground and outdoor planters.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

It is arranged in medium-sized flower heads. It flowers from mid-spring to early summer, with a flowering period of between 25 and 40 days. It is attractive to bees.

Growth

This variety exhibitsdeterminate growth, reaching a specific final size.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect.

Branching

A variety with moderate branching.

PH

The ideal pH of the cultivation soil ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, with optimum values between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the open field, dig to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, large stones and residues from previous crops. Then work in organic or chemical fertiliser, which will provide the necessary nutrients during the plant’s early stages of development, and, using a hoe, break up the denser, coarser clods of earth. To improve drainage of excess water, thereby preventing harmful waterlogging, proceed by creating a raised bed of 15–20 cm by gently mounding the soil; finally, carefully level the surface.

During cultivation, continue to work the soil by hoeing to a depth of 2–3 cm, taking care to remove weeds growing near the crop whilst breaking up any surface crust that may have formed.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

This variety thrives in full sun or afternoon sun; a sunny, sheltered spot is recommended, with watering tailored to the plant’s needs.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 24 °C for optimal growth.

Use

A variety widely appreciated in the:

Agri-food

Hardiness

A variety of medium hardiness, it requires regular watering and periodic checks for any weeds growing near the plant.

Soil

The best soil conditions for the proper growth of this variety and a subsequent satisfactory yield are provided by medium-textured, moist, well-drained and enriched soil; for growing in pots or containers, a horticultural compost containing light and dark peat is recommended.

Difficulty

A variety that is easy to grow and requires little maintenance, provided it is given adequate exposure to sunlight and appropriate cultivation practices, such as fertilisation and watering.

Growing tips

To achieve the best yields, we recommend the following cultivation practices and tips:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Requires little but regular fertiliser Keep the growing medium dry in cold weather Move outdoors once there is no longer any risk of frost

Planting

When transplanting, aim for an average density of 9 plants per square metre to ensure the proper development of each plant and subsequent satisfactory yields in terms of both quantity and quality.

Transplant young seedlings with light-coloured, non-necrotic roots, placing them in a raised bed with the root collar above the soil surface. It is essential to ensure that the root ball is thoroughly moistened before starting the transplanting process; it is also advisable to water immediately after transplanting to aid the young plant’s initial growth.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pruning

Harvesting should preferably be carried out in the early morning to prevent any loss of moisture from the head.

The weight of the head can be considerable during periods with more favourable conditions, whilst it will be lighter during less favourable periods.

Propagation

Propagation is carried out by sowing in the open field or in containers.

Moisten the seed, then bury it completely at the correct depth and cover it with a layer of horticultural compost and inert material; finally, keep the soil moist until the shoot emerges.

Repotting

In spring, if the plant shows stunted growth with poor root development, repot it into a larger pot using a suitable potting compost for vegetable plants.

Watering

Pay particular attention to watering, as the plant has high water requirements; consequently, the growing medium must be kept suitably moist, whilst avoiding waterlogging. Watering must be adjusted to suit the prevailing temperatures and environmental conditions; in particular, during the summer months, when temperatures are high, it will be necessary to increase the frequency of watering. Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water or canal water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, applying it manually or via a drip, sprinkler or sub-irrigation system. When transplanting, support the seedling to ensure it adapts properly to its new location, keeping the soil at a constant moisture level but without overwatering to prevent root rot. Subsequently, allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, keeping it consistently moist but not waterlogged; furthermore, watering should be carried out in the morning so that the leaves are dry by evening to prevent the possible onset of certain diseases. Water after harvesting.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

When preparing the soil prior to planting, apply a base dressing of organo-mineral fertiliser.

Subsequently, apply a specific vegetable garden fertiliser to the soil or growing medium via fertigation – that is, by diluting it in the irrigation water and applying it at rates and intervals proportionate to the plant’s requirements during the various stages of growth; in particular, after transplanting, use a complete fertiliser with a high phosphorus content to stimulate the formation of a healthy root system, whilst during the growth phase, apply the correct amount of complete fertiliser with a high nitrogen content to promote vegetative growth.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

No cases of toxicity following ingestion by pets are known; assess each case individually.

Edibility for humans

Edible species.

Toxicity for humans

The edible part, when consumed in appropriate quantities and at the correct stage of ripeness, is not toxic.

Tip

This variety is fairly hardy; however, it is essential to keep a very close watch for leaf-feeding moth larvae, particularly in the autumn. Equally important during this period is the presence of powdery mildew. Both pests must be controlled using authorised and effective plant protection products. To reduce competition from weeds, the crop can also be grown in beds mulched with ordinary or biodegradable black plastic sheeting.