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Broccoli De Cicco
Brassica oleracea var. italica
vegetableBroccoli De Cicco is a heirloom Italian broccoli variety known for producing multiple small to medium-sized heads rather than a single large central head. This open-pollinated cultivar is prized for its tender, flavorful florets and extended harvest period, offering excellent productivity from a single plant.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons in warmer climates
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Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge; first true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks. Plants develop 2-4 leaves before thinning or transplanting.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy seedlings. Thin to strongest seedling if direct sowing.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid leaf development with 6-12 true leaves forming a bushy plant. Deep green foliage expands as plant establishes strong root system. No visible flower buds yet.
Water deeply and regularly. Begin light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Watch for cabbage worms and other pests.
Head Formation (Primary)
2-3 weeksCentral head begins forming as tight clusters of unopened flower buds (curds) appear at the plant's apex. Head develops blue-green color and becomes increasingly compact.
Increase nitrogen feeding slightly to support head development. Ensure consistent watering—irregular moisture causes hollow or bitter heads. Protect from extreme heat and frost.
Harvesting & Lateral Shoot Development
4-6 weeksAfter cutting the central head, lateral shoots emerge from leaf axils along the main stem, each producing smaller secondary heads. These continue maturing over several weeks.
Cut central head when firm and tight, before florets begin to flower. Continue regular watering and feeding to support prolific side-shoot production. Harvest smaller heads regularly to encourage more branching.
Late-Season Production
2-4 weeksPlant becomes increasingly bushy with numerous small- to medium-sized secondary heads at various stages of maturity. Some older leaves may yellow but production continues.
Continue harvesting regularly to maximize productivity. Water consistently even as temperatures cool. Remove any diseased leaves. Plant begins to slow as days shorten and temperatures drop.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars daily. Use row covers on young plants. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Companion plant with aromatic herbs like thyme and dill.
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Hand-pick or use Bt spray. Apply neem oil in early morning or evening. Introduce parasitic wasps.
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Use floating row covers over seedlings. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Diatomaceous earth around plant base.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs with flowering plants.
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Rotate crops for 4+ years. Improve soil drainage. Raise soil pH above 7.0 with lime. Remove infected plants immediately.
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Improve air circulation. Spray sulfur or baking soda solution (1 tbsp baking soda + 1 tbsp oil per gallon water). Remove infected leaves.
Uses
Fresh cooking and steaming
CulinaryBroccoli De Cicco's tender florets are excellent steamed, roasted, or lightly sautéed. The secondary shoots are particularly prized for their delicate texture and slightly sweeter flavor compared to other broccoli varieties. [source]
Raw in salads and crudités
CulinaryThe small florets are perfect for raw consumption due to their tender nature. They add a fresh, mild broccoli flavor to salads and vegetable platters. [source]
Sulforaphane and cancer prevention
MedicinalBroccoli, like all Brassica oleracea varieties, contains glucosinolates that convert to sulforaphane when chewed or lightly cooked, a compound under investigation for potential anti-cancer properties. [source]
High-yield home gardening
HouseholdBroccoli De Cicco is ideal for home gardeners seeking continuous harvests from a single planting. Its multiple-head production makes it more economical than single-head varieties. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt and flower, De Cicco produces yellow blooms that attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Leaving some plants to flower supports biodiversity in the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut the central head when tight, firm, and 3-4 inches in diameter, before florets begin to separate. Use a sharp knife, cutting 5-6 inches below the head to leave leafy stem intact. Harvest in early morning for best quality. After removing the central head, continue harvesting lateral shoots as they reach 2-3 inches in diameter over the following weeks. The plant typically produces 8-12 secondary heads, making it very prolific. Later harvests may be smaller but remain tender and flavorful.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Broccoli De Cicco is a true heirloom variety from Calabria, Italy, dating back generations. Its name, 'De Cicco,' refers to its Italian heritage and indicates its historical significance in traditional Italian gardens.
- 🌱 Unlike modern hybrid broccoli that produces one large head, De Cicco produces 8-12 smaller, more tender secondary heads after the central head is harvested, making it exceptionally productive for small spaces.
- 🌱 The entire above-ground plant is edible: florets, stems, and even young leaves can be harvested and cooked, making it a highly efficient vegetable from a nutrition and waste perspective.
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