How to Grow DeCicco Broccoli
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DeCicco Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica 'DeCicco'
vegetableDeCicco is a classic Italian heirloom broccoli variety prized for its tender, flavorful green florets and exceptional sprouting ability after the main head is harvested. Unlike many modern broccoli types, DeCicco produces abundant side shoots for extended harvests throughout the season. It's a reliable, cold-hardy variety that has been grown for generations and remains a favorite among home gardeners.
When should you plant DeCicco Broccoli in your zone?
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Example DeCicco Broccoli timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant DeCicco Broccoli
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest DeCicco Broccoli
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact DeCicco Broccoli dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler weather with moderate summers
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Seedling (0-3 weeks)
3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves. Plant is very tender and small.
Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain bright light (12-16 hours daily under grow lights). Provide good air circulation to prevent damping off. Keep temperature around 70°F.
Transplant (3-6 weeks)
3 weeksPlant develops 3-4 true leaves and becomes more robust. Roots establish well.
Begin hardening off 1-2 weeks before transplanting. Reduce watering slightly to encourage root growth. Once true leaves appear, begin light fertilizing with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Vegetative Growth (0-4 weeks after transplanting)
4 weeksPlant establishes in the garden, developing larger leaves and a sturdy stem. Multiple main stem branches form.
Transplant after danger of hard frost passes (soil temp 50°F+). Water deeply and regularly. Side-dress with compost at 2 weeks. Mulch around base to retain moisture and keep soil cool.
Head Development (4-7 weeks after transplanting)
3 weeksMain central head forms, consisting of tightly clustered green florets. Head grows larger and becomes dense.
Maintain consistent watering—critical during head formation. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Monitor for pests weekly. Ensure adequate nitrogen for vibrant green color.
Harvest & Side Shoot Production (7-12+ weeks after transplanting)
5+ weeksMain head reaches peak size and density; after harvesting, numerous side shoots emerge from leaf axils along the stem, each producing small but tender heads.
Harvest main head when buds are tight and green; cut before flowers open. Continue watering and fertilizing to support side shoot development. Remove yellowed leaves. Side shoots will continue producing for 4-8 weeks.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers until flowering; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; hand-pick; plant dill and fennel nearby to attract parasitoid wasps.
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Row covers; Bt spray; neem oil; encourage natural predators with diverse plantings.
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Row covers on young plants; neem oil; insecticidal soap; diatomaceous earth; reflective mulch.
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps; sulfur spray.
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Maintain soil pH above 6.0; ensure good drainage; rotate crops yearly; avoid contaminated tools; use resistant varieties if clubroot is present.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; sulfur spray; neem oil; remove infected leaves promptly.
Uses
Fresh cooking & steaming
CulinaryDeCicco broccoli is prized for its tender, sweet florets ideal for steaming, roasting, stir-frying, or eating raw. The side shoots are particularly tender and flavorful. [source]
Soup & purée
CulinaryThe florets and tender stalks blend beautifully into creamy broccoli soup or can be puréed for sauces. [source]
Sulforaphane & cancer prevention
MedicinalRaw or lightly cooked broccoli contains glucosinolates that convert to sulforaphane, a compound being studied for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Nutritional superfood
HouseholdBroccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a cornerstone of healthy diets. [source]
Pollinator & beneficial insect support
WildlifeWhen flowers are allowed to bloom (at the end of harvest), broccoli flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects. [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 head when florets are tightly clustered, compact, and dark green—before any small yellow flowers open (typically 50-70 days after transplanting). Cut the main stalk 5-8 inches below the head with a sharp knife. Do not pull. After the main head is harvested, side shoots will emerge from the leaf axils along the remaining stem; harvest these smaller heads every 3-5 days as they reach 2-4 inches, which encourages more to develop. Continue harvesting side shoots for 4-8 weeks until frost or plant decline. Early morning harvest yields crispest, most tender florets.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 DeCicco is an Italian heirloom variety that has been in continuous cultivation for over 100 years. Its name means 'little head' in Italian, referencing the abundant side shoots it produces.
- 🌱 Unlike modern broccoli hybrids bred for a single large head, DeCicco was selected for its sprouting ability—a single plant can produce 15-25 side shoots over the season, making it exceptionally productive for home gardeners.
- 🌱 The entire plant is edible: the florets, the tender stalk (peel off the tough outer layer), and even young leaves can be cooked and eaten, making it one of the most efficient vegetables in the garden.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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