How to Grow Broccoli Calabrese De Cicco
Broccoli Calabrese De Cicco
Brassica oleracea var. italica
vegetableA classic Italian heirloom broccoli variety known for its ability to produce multiple smaller heads after the main crown is harvested, making it exceptionally productive. De Cicco features medium-sized heads with tight, dark green florets and tender stems that are excellent for cooking. This variety is prized by home gardeners for its extended harvest season and superior flavor.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-9; performs best in cooler seasons with temperatures between 65-75°F
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Growth Stages
Seedling
4-6 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves, tender and vulnerable to pests.
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost or 12-14 weeks before first fall frost. Keep soil moist and provide bright light. Protect from damping-off with good air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeks after transplantingPlants develop larger leaves and sturdy stems; rapid foliage production with no visible head formation yet.
Transplant to garden when 3-4 true leaves are present. Maintain consistent watering and apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Head Formation
2-3 weeksCentral head begins to develop as a tight cluster of green florets; auxiliary buds form along the stem.
Ensure consistent watering and nutrient availability. Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer if foliage appears pale. Watch for pests like cabbage worms and apply organic controls as needed.
Main Head Maturity
1-2 weeks at peak harvest readinessCentral head reaches full size (3-5 inches diameter) with tight, compact florets and deep green color.
Harvest the main head when florets are tightly clustered and firm, before flowers begin to open. Cut 8-10 inches of stem with the head to encourage side-shoot development.
Side-Shoot Production
4-8 weeks of continuous harvestingAfter main head removal, numerous secondary smaller heads develop along the stem; the signature characteristic of De Cicco.
Continue regular watering and light fertilization. Harvest side shoots when they reach 2-3 inches in diameter. This extends the harvest period significantly, sometimes for 4-6 weeks.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick larvae; use row covers on young plants; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray when worms appear; encourage parasitic wasps.
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Use Bt spray; hand-pick caterpillars; deploy row covers; plant trap crops like nasturtiums nearby.
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Apply row covers immediately after planting; use neem oil or spinosad; maintain adequate soil moisture to discourage egg-laying.
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Hand-pick bugs and egg clusters; use insecticidal soap; plant repellent companions like dill; remove crop debris promptly.
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Practice crop rotation (3-year minimum for brassicas); maintain pH above 6.5; disinfect tools; remove infected plants immediately.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or copper fungicide; remove infected leaves; plant resistant varieties.
Uses
Steaming, Roasting & Raw
CulinaryBroccoli Calabrese De Cicco has tender, sweet florets and edible stems ideal for steaming, roasting with olive oil, adding to stir-fries, or eating raw with dips. The side shoots are particularly prized for their delicate flavor and texture compared to standard broccoli varieties. [source]
Sulforaphane & Cancer Prevention
MedicinalBroccoli is rich in sulforaphane, a compound with demonstrated anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption may support cellular health and boost the body's natural detoxification enzymes. [source]
Nutritional Powerhouse
MedicinalBroccoli provides abundant vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber, supporting immune function, bone health, and digestive wellness. A single serving delivers significant amounts of antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. [source]
Seed Saving & Propagation
HouseholdDe Cicco is an excellent variety for home seed saving as it sets abundant seeds after flowering. One plant can produce significant seed yield for future plantings or sharing with other gardeners. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, broccoli's yellow flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in the garden ecosystem. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest the main central head when florets are tight and compact, before any flowers open, typically 55-70 days after transplanting. Cut with 8-10 inches of stem attached using a sharp knife. This encourages prolific side-shoot development. Continue harvesting secondary heads when they reach 2-3 inches diameter over the next 4-8 weeks. Early morning harvest ensures crispness and better flavor. Stop harvesting when temperatures exceed 85°F consistently, as heat causes bolting and loss of quality.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Broccoli Calabrese De Cicco is named after the Calabrese region of Italy and has been documented in cultivation since the 1800s, making it a true heirloom variety with a rich agricultural heritage.
- 🌱 Unlike modern commercial broccoli varieties bred to produce a single large head, De Cicco is specifically selected for its ability to generate multiple small heads after the main crown is harvested, potentially tripling the yield from a single plant.
- 🌱 The edible flower buds of broccoli contain more sulforaphane when raw than when cooked, though light steaming (3-5 minutes) can increase bioavailability of other nutrients while retaining much of the beneficial compound.
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