Broccoli - De Cicco

Minimum Seed Count: 75

De Cicco broccoli is a beloved Italian heirloom variety known for its reliability, tender flavor, and generous yields. 🌿🥦 Unlike larger hybrid types, De Cicco produces a medium-sized, loose central head followed by a continuous flush of smaller side shoots, making it perfect for extended harvesting over several weeks.

Its flavor is mild, slightly sweet, and less bitter than many broccoli varieties, making it versatile for steaming, roasting, stir-fries, or enjoying fresh in salads. The compact plants reach about 24–30 inches tall, making them an excellent choice for home gardens with limited space or succession planting.

Gardeners appreciate De Cicco not only for its taste but also for its adaptability. It matures relatively early (50–65 days), thrives in a range of climates, and is well-suited for both spring and fall planting. With its steady production of tender florets and old-world charm, De Cicco broccoli is a classic you’ll want in your garden year after year. 

🌿Planting Guide:

Start Indoors:

• Sow seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost.

• Plant ¼–½ inch deep in trays or pots.

• Germination is best at 65–75°F.

Transplanting Outdoors:

• Harden off seedlings before moving to the garden.

• Transplant when plants are 4–6 weeks old and have 4–6 true leaves.

• Plant outdoors 2–3 weeks before last frost in spring, or in mid- to late summer for a fall crop.

Spacing:

• Space plants 18 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart.

• Compact size makes them suitable for smaller gardens.

Soil Needs:

• Prefers fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.

• Ideal pH: 6.0–7.0.

• Add compost before planting for strong root development.

Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist—about 1–1.5 inches of water per week.

• Avoid letting plants dry out to prevent stress and bolting.

Fertilizing:

• Side-dress with a balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer about 3–4 weeks after transplanting.

• Continue feeding every 3–4 weeks to encourage steady side shoot production.

Growing Conditions:

• Best grown in cool weather (55–75°F).

• De Cicco is more heat-tolerant than some varieties, but fall crops often yield best quality.

Harvesting:

• Central heads mature in 50–65 days from transplanting.

• Harvest the main head when tight and firm, before flower buds loosen.

• Continue harvesting side shoots for weeks after the main head is cut.

🌱 Tip: De Cicco is prized for its long harvest window—don’t pull the plants after cutting the central head; you’ll enjoy a steady supply of tender florets!

thank you to Kitchen Garden Rhythms for this beautiful photo: https://www.kitchengardenrhythms.com/