How to Grow Piccolo Belstar Broccoli

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Piccolo Belstar Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica

vegetable

Piccolo Belstar is a compact, sprouting broccoli variety that produces numerous small florets on side shoots rather than one large central head. It's a refined version of traditional broccoli, ideal for small gardens and container growing, with a sweeter, more tender flavor profile.

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Example Piccolo Belstar Broccoli timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Piccolo Belstar Broccoli
Around Apr 17

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

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Piccolo Belstar Broccoli
Around Jun 6

≈ 50 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Consistent moisture; 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water at base to prevent fungal diseases.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: 50-70 days from transplant

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; transplant at true leaf stage

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

compost aged manure nitrogen-rich fertilizer calcium (lime if pH is low)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons (spring and fall)

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

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge, developing first true leaves. Plant is very delicate and low-growing.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent legginess. Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F). Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops 4-6 true leaves and begins establishing a sturdy stem and root system. Leaves are deeply lobed and blue-green.

Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions if starting indoors. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Ensure adequate light and consistent watering.

Transplanting & Establishment

1-2 weeks post-transplant

Seedlings are hardened off and transplanted into garden beds. Plant appears sturdy with 6-8 leaves, ready to tolerate outdoor conditions.

Plant in early spring or mid-summer for fall harvest. Space 12-18 inches apart. Water thoroughly after transplanting. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Heading & Sprouting

3-4 weeks

Small florets form on central head and numerous side shoots. Plant grows to 18-24 inches tall. Florets are tightly clustered, deep green, and compact.

Begin harvesting central head when florets are tight and firm but before flowers open. Continue side-shoot production with regular harvesting. Keep soil moist and feed with high-nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Harvest & Maturity

6-8 weeks of continuous harvest

Multiple side shoots are ready for harvest in succession. Plant remains productive for 6-8 weeks with proper harvesting.

Cut central head first when 3-4 inches in diameter. Harvest side shoots when 2-3 inches long with tight, unopened florets. Regular harvesting encourages more side-shoot production. Remove any yellowing leaves.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

beets carrots celery chamomile dill garlic lettuce mint nasturtiums onions potatoes spinach thyme

Avoid planting near:

cabbage cauliflower kohlrabi other brassicas fennel pole beans tomatoes

Common Pests

Row covers on young plants, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray, hand-picking, netting to exclude butterflies
Bt spray, spinosad, neem oil, removing infested leaves, encouraging parasitic wasps
Row covers, kaolin clay spray, neem oil, encouraging natural predators, removing damaged leaves
Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encouraging ladybugs and lacewings
Row covers, Bt spray, pheromone traps, removing infested plant material
Floating row covers at planting, diatomaceous earth around base, encouraging beneficial nematodes

Uses

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Fresh Eating & Roasting

Culinary

Piccolo Belstar's tender florets are excellent raw in salads, steamed, sautéed, or roasted. The smaller size makes it ideal for single servings and quicker cooking times than standard broccoli. [source]

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Tender & Sweet Flavor

Culinary

This variety is notably sweeter and more tender than conventional broccoli, with a delicate, refined taste that appeals to children and those sensitive to strong cruciferous flavors. [source]

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Nutritional & Cancer Prevention

Medicinal

Rich in sulforaphane, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Studies suggest broccoli's compounds may support cancer prevention, immune function, and anti-inflammatory responses. [source]

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Container & Small Space Growing

Household

Piccolo Belstar's compact size (18-24 inches) makes it ideal for container gardening, raised beds, and small urban gardens, providing high yields in minimal space. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

If some florets are allowed to flower, small yellow flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity and pollination of nearby crops. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting the central head when florets are tightly budded and 3-4 inches in diameter, before flowers open. Cut with a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle, leaving 8-10 inches of stem. This encourages abundant side-shoot production. Continue harvesting side shoots (2-3 inches long) every 2-3 days for up to 6-8 weeks. Stop harvesting when florets begin to yellow or flower.

Fun Facts

🌱 Piccolo Belstar is a sprouting broccoli variety developed in Italy, combining the sprouting habit of Romanesco with the broccoli floret structure, producing 8-12 side shoots after the central head is harvested.
🌱 The name 'Belstar' derives from the Italian word 'bello' (beautiful), reflecting its ornamental quality when grown with flowering side shoots left unharvested.
🌱 Piccolo Belstar can be grown year-round in mild climates and is particularly prized for fall and spring harvests when cooler temperatures produce sweeter florets with a buttery texture.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Mulch Transplant True Leaves

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