How to Grow Piccolo
Wikimedia Commons
Piccolo
Brassica oleracea var. italica
vegetablePiccolo is a miniature broccoli variety that produces abundant small, tender florets on compact plants. Each plant yields multiple side shoots rather than a single large head, making it ideal for smaller gardens and continuous harvesting. The florets are sweeter and more delicate than standard broccoli.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Piccolo in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Piccolo timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Piccolo
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Piccolo
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Piccolo dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; grows best in cool-season conditions (spring and fall)
Sign up free to see if Piccolo grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Piccolo timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge. First true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple true leaves and establishes a strong root system. Compact bushy growth habit becomes evident.
Transplant to larger containers or harden off seedlings. Begin feeding with balanced fertilizer. Maintain consistent moisture and full sun exposure.
Head Formation & Harvest
3-4 weeksCentral head develops into compact florets. Plant continues producing abundant side shoots for weeks after main head is harvested.
Harvest main head when buds are tight and dark green. This triggers prolific side shoot production. Continue regular watering and feeding.
Continuous Production
4-6 weeks or more in cool conditionsPlant produces numerous secondary florets on side shoots. Growth slows as temperatures rise or days shorten.
Harvest side shoots regularly to encourage more branching. Continue watering during dry periods. Plants decline when temperatures exceed 75°F consistently.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), hand-pick larvae, companion plant with dill and thyme
-
Apply Bt spray, use netting, encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
-
Spray with water, use insecticidal soap, encourage ladybugs and hoverflies
-
Use row covers on young plants, dust with diatomaceous earth, trap with yellow sticky cards
-
Rotate crops, maintain pH 6.5+, remove infected plants, improve soil drainage
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryPiccolo florets are tender and sweet, perfect for eating raw as snacks or in salads, lightly steamed, roasted, or stir-fried. Their small size makes them ideal for quick cooking and portion control. [source]
Extended harvest season
CulinaryUnlike standard broccoli that produces one large head, Piccolo's continuous side shoot production provides fresh florets over many weeks, extending the broccoli season significantly. [source]
Sulforaphane and cancer prevention
MedicinalLike all broccoli, Piccolo contains sulforaphane, a compound with potential anti-cancer properties and anti-inflammatory benefits. Consuming raw or lightly cooked broccoli maximizes sulforaphane availability. [source]
Space-efficient gardening
HouseholdPiccolo's compact growth habit and high-yield production make it ideal for small-space gardens, containers, and urban farming where maximizing yield per square foot is essential. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf left unharvested, Piccolo produces abundant tiny yellow flowers that attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity. [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 central head when florets are tight and dark green, typically 50-70 days from transplant. Cut 5-6 inches below the head with a sharp knife. Harvesting the main head stimulates prolific side shoot production. Continue harvesting side shoots every 3-5 days as they reach 2-4 inches long, in the morning when cool. Piccolo produces far more shoots than standard broccoli, providing 6-8 weeks of continuous harvesting in ideal conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Piccolo is sometimes called 'Piccolo broccoli' or 'baby broccoli' and is genetically closer to wild broccoli than modern large-headed varieties, giving it enhanced flavor and nutrition density.
- 🌱 A single Piccolo plant can produce 20-30+ side shoots over a season, making it approximately 3-5 times more productive than standard broccoli in terms of usable florets per plant.
- 🌱 Piccolo originated from Italian breeding programs seeking to return broccoli to smaller, more tender florets similar to what was grown centuries ago before modern breeding focused on maximizing head size.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Piccolo planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Piccolo seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Piccolo timeline →