How to Grow De Cicco Broccoli

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De Cicco Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica

vegetable

De Cicco is a sprouting broccoli variety prized for producing numerous small to medium side shoots after the main head is harvested. This Italian heirloom cultivar is more cold-hardy and heat-tolerant than many modern hybrids, making it excellent for spring and fall gardens. It's a favorite among home gardeners for extended harvests from a single plant.

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Example De Cicco Broccoli timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant De Cicco Broccoli
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest De Cicco Broccoli
Around Jun 11

≈ 55 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact De Cicco Broccoli dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Consistent, even moisture; 1-1.5 inches weekly. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to prevent fungal diseases. More critical during head development.

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Spacing: 18-24 inches

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Days to maturity: 55-100 (main head); side shoots continue 30-60 days after main harvest

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Planting depth: 0.5 inches for seeds; transplants at soil depth

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with consistent moisture retention

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

compost aged manure bone meal kelp meal

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; best in cool-season growing (spring and fall)

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Cotyledons emerge followed by true leaves. Plant develops 4-6 leaves and establishes root system.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide 12-14 hours of light daily under grow lights indoors. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart. Transplant when 4-6 true leaves develop.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops robust foliage with 8-12+ leaves. Stem thickens and plant reaches 12-18 inches tall. No reproductive structures visible yet.

Water consistently and deeply. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks or side-dress with compost. Monitor for cabbage worms and flea beetles. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Head Development & Maturation

3-4 weeks

Central head forms as a tight cluster of unopened flower buds, growing to 3-5 inches diameter. Head becomes increasingly dense and dark green.

Maintain consistent moisture; irregular watering causes loose, inferior heads. Increase nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Watch for pests intensively during this stage. Provide shade cloth in areas with temps above 75°F.

Main Head Harvest & Side Shoot Production

4-8 weeks for continued side shoot harvest

Central head reaches harvest maturity. After removal, axillary buds along the stem rapidly develop into numerous smaller side shoots (2-4 inches), each resembling miniature broccoli heads.

Harvest main head when tight and firm, before florets separate. Remove cleanly to stimulate side shoots. Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Pinch off any yellowing or damaged leaves.

Decline & End of Season

2-4 weeks

Side shoot production slows as days lengthen (in spring) or temperatures drop (in fall). Plant may bolt or become less productive.

Continue harvesting side shoots as they mature. Remove plant once productivity drops significantly or if bolting occurs. In fall, extend season with row covers if light frost threatens.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

beets bush beans carrots chamomile dill garlic marigolds nasturtiums onions potatoes sage thyme

Avoid planting near:

cabbage cauliflower kale other brassicas (increases pest pressure) strawberries tomatoes fennel

Common Pests

Row covers over seedlings; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; hand-pick larvae; netting excludes moths
Row covers; kaolin clay spray; insecticidal soap; reflective mulches; manage weeds
Bt spray; hand-picking; row covers; encourage parasitic wasps
Row covers; Bt applications; hand removal; encourage beneficial insects
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch

Uses

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Fresh eating and cooking

Culinary

De Cicco broccoli's florets are tender, sweet, and slightly nutty with less bitterness than some varieties. Excellent steamed, roasted, stir-fried, or eaten raw in salads. Side shoots are prized for their delicate flavor and small size. [source]

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Extended harvests from single plant

Culinary

Unlike single-harvest hybrids, De Cicco's abundant side shoots provide continuous yields over 2-3 months, making it economical for home gardeners and small-scale growers. [source]

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Glucosinolate and sulforaphane content

Medicinal

Broccoli contains glucosinolates that convert to sulforaphane, a compound studied for anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification properties. Eating broccoli raw or lightly cooked maximizes these compounds. [source]

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Vegetable stock and cooking ingredient

Household

Stems and outer leaves make flavorful vegetable broth. Leftover florets can be blanched and frozen for later use in soups, casseroles, and stir-fries. [source]

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Pollinator and beneficial insect support

Wildlife

If any heads are left to flower (small yellow blooms), they provide valuable nectar and pollen for bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects during cool seasons. [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 it reaches 3-5 inches diameter and is still tight with unopened green buds, typically 55-70 days from transplant. Cut 6-8 inches below the head with a sharp knife. For continuous harvest, pick side shoots when they reach 1-3 inches diameter, before buds separate. Harvest regularly (every 2-3 days) to encourage more shoots. Stop harvesting in hot weather (above 80°F) as quality declines. Fall crops often produce superior quality side shoots. Plants remain productive for 6-12 weeks with consistent harvesting.

Fun Facts

🌱 De Cicco is an Italian heirloom variety introduced to America in the 1930s. Its name means 'of the chickpea' in Italian, referring to the small size of its side shoots.
🌱 Unlike modern hybrid broccoli bred for a single large central head, De Cicco was selected over centuries to maximize side shoot production, allowing gardeners to harvest for weeks from one plant.
🌱 De Cicco is notably more cold-hardy and heat-tolerant than many modern hybrids, thriving in spring and fall gardens where summer heat or frost would stop other broccoli varieties from heading properly.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Bolt Compost Cultivar Full Sun Heirloom Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade Row Cover Transplant True Leaves

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