Puntarelle: The special volcanic asparagus from Rome

Growing Puntarelle in your own garden: We present suitable varieties and give tips and tricks from sowing, care and fertilization to harvesting.

The winter vegetable with dozens of names is closely related to the well-known chicory. The names go from Puntarelle (Cichorium intybus) to Cimata, asparagus chicory or volcanic asparagus and in Italian the popular vegetable is also called Catalogna Soigata, Cicoria asparago, Cicoria di Catalogna or Cataluna. In almost every Italian region, the vegetable has a different name and is regularly served. In Germany, the Puntarelle is only known among gourmets, but is highly valued as a special type of chicory. Probably the biggest difference to chicory are the shorter stems. These in turn are excellently protected inside by the bracts. The thick, hollow shoots in particular are very popular with gourmets. For harvest, the inflorescences that are not yet fully ripe are broken out and prepared in a wide variety of ways. The Cimata thrives splendidly in German gardens, and cultivation is also worthwhile for beginners.

Growing Puntarelle, Cimata - this is how it works step by step

We will take you through the gardening year with a short guide - from the seed to the delicious Puntarelle from your garden.

1. Cimata seeds can usually only be obtained from specialized dealers. With a bit of luck, your gardener around the corner can also order seeds for you on request.
2. Before planting seeds, you need to decide whether you want to grow outdoors or on a balcony, patio or greenhouse.
3. You can sow the seeds from mid-April. These should be pressed about 1 cm deep into the ground. The distance between the individual Cimata plants should be about 50 to 60cm. If you prick out after a few weeks, you can of course sow more densely. For the supply of fresh vegetables from your own garden in winter, sawing should begin at the beginning of August.
4. The choice of location should be carefully considered. This should be very sunnyand at the same time offer sufficient protection to protect the plant from too low temperatures in the cold season. For the winter period, we recommend letting the plant grow on the terrace or on a sheltered house wall. It is best to harvest the Puntarella before the first severe frosts (>-5 °C).
5. The volcanic asparagus has high demands on the soil conditions. If the soil in your garden is not rich in humus and nutrients, you absolutely have to improve the planting trough with compost, horse manure and, if necessary, horn shavings. A pre-fertilized organic soil such as our Plantura organic tomato & vegetable soil is also suitable. Note that an insufficient supply of nutrients allows the Puntarelle to grow, but then their bitter substances appear more, which can lead to an almost inedible result.
6. Puntarelle plants should be at least half a meter apart.
7. You can supply additional nutrients once a month with a complete fertilizer. You can also use a primarily organic long-term fertilizer such as our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer. However, you should definitely stop using it at least six weeks before the first harvest, otherwise the taste will be negatively affected.
8. The Cimata also needs a good supply of moisture, but this is only necessary in the first few weeks after sowing. Because in our latitudes, increased precipitation can be expected from September. The soil around the plant should be regularly cleared of weeds and loosened up a bit.
9. Can be harvested from the beginning of August into winter. As soon as the cold season approaches, you should keep an eye on the precious vegetables and check them regularly. If it gets too cold, the harvest can be gone quickly. Depending on the time of sowing, the tasty winter vegetables can also be harvested gradually over the winter. Here you can protect the Cimata's heads of lettuce from slightly sub-zero temperatures with a fleece cover.

Many thanks to the two photographers: SingerFood and studiodobs©photography