Broccoli, De Cicco

De Cicco is an Italian heirloom broccoli that produces a small main head followed by tons of side shoots for an extended harvest. This early variety (48 days) is perfect for fall gardens and handles light frosts like a champ.

Broccoli: Grow the cruciferous powerhouse known for its exceptional nutritional profile, including cancer-fighting compounds and high Vitamin C content. This cold-hardy brassica produces dense, vitamin-packed main heads, with fall crops often developing superior flavor. After harvesting the primary head at the tight-bud stage, most varieties continue to yield tender, flavorful secondary side shoots for 4–6 weeks, extending your fresh harvest well into the season.

• Growing Tips: Transplant 2–4 weeks before the last frost for a spring crop or midsummer for a fall harvest, spacing plants 18–24 inches apart. Fall plantings are generally more successful and flavorful.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 hours daily for proper head development and disease resistance.

• Preferred Soil: Rich, well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture; optimal pH is 6.0–7.0. Broccoli is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization.

• Harvest Details: Cut the main head when the buds are tight and before yellow flowers emerge (typically 55–75 days after transplanting). Continue harvesting secondary side shoots at 3–4 inches for 4–6 additional weeks.