Italian salad vegetable used to add zest, colour, texture and unique flavour to mixed salads. Ideal for autumn and early winter use, with outstanding weather resistance. Can also be used as a salad leaf through the spring and summer. Distinctive flavour and texture in a mixed salad.

Prefers a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

Sow April-Sept for 'salad leaf, June-July for full sized heads. Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart. Thin seedlings when large enough to handle to 30cm (12in) apart. Later sowings will be less prone to bitterness.

Full heads can be dressed in oil and lightly grilled, serve warm with melted cheese.