Broccoli – DeCicco

Description

50 Seeds per pack

DeCicco Broccoli

Days to Maturity: 48–85 Days

Sun Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours); tolerates partial shade in hot climates to prevent bolting.

Botanical Name: (Brassica oleracea)

First introduced to American gardeners in 1890, DeCicco hails from Italy and has remained a beloved heirloom for generations. Known for its extended harvest window and reliable yields, it’s long been a favorite among home growers and market gardeners alike.

Plants reach a compact 24–36″ tall and produce tight, bluish-green central heads measuring 3–4″ across. Once the main head is harvested, the plant continues to push out tender side shoots, providing a steady supply of smaller florets over several weeks. The dark green leaves are not only frost-tolerant but also edible, and can be prepared much like kale or chard.

Sweet and nutty in flavor, it’s excellent steamed, roasted, or eaten fresh. Side shoots may also be allowed to flower and used like broccoli raab. It thrives in full sun and cool weather, suitable for both spring and fall plantings. DeCicco freezes well and retains its quality, making it a great choice for gardeners looking to enjoy their harvest well into the winter months without sacrificing taste or texture.

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, DeCicco is a healthy addition to any garden.

Disease Resistance: Downy Mildew, Clubroot.

Planting Instructions for DeCicco Broccoli Seeds

When to Plant:
Start DeCicco broccoli seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost for a spring crop. For a fall harvest, sow seeds indoors 12–14 weeks before your first fall frost. Transplant seedlings into the garden once they are 4–6 weeks old and hardened off. Outdoors, broccoli can be direct-seeded 2–3 weeks before the last spring frost, or in mid- to late summer for a fall crop. Sow in succession every few weeks for a steady harvest. Avoid planting in midsummer heat.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. DeCicco broccoli prefers a slightly alkaline pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If needed, lime the soil the previous fall to adjust pH and prevent club root. Enrich the planting area with compost or well-rotted manure, worked into the top 6 inches of soil. Avoid planting in the same spot brassicas were grown within the last three years.

How to Plant:
Sow DeCicco seeds ¼–½ inch deep in seed trays, pots, or directly in the garden. Thin indoor seedlings to one per cell or pot after emergence. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they reach 4–6 inches tall and have 4–6 true leaves. Set transplants slightly deeper than they were growing before. Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart. For compact varieties, space as close as 12 inches; for sprouting broccoli or larger types, such as purple sprouting, allow up to 30 inches. Ensure generous spacing for air circulation and maximum side-shoot production.

Growing Tips:
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy, watering deeply 1–2 times per week, depending on weather. Avoid wetting the developing heads. Apply ½ cup of high-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 21-0-0) per 10 feet of row about 4 weeks after transplanting. Add another ¼ cup when heads begin forming. Mulch with straw or compost to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use row covers to protect from cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles.

Harvesting:
Harvest the central head when it is fully formed but still tight, cutting 5–6 inches below the head. Continue watering and fertilizing after the main harvest to encourage development of smaller side shoots. Harvest regularly to extend production over several weeks. Fall crops tend to yield larger, more flavorful heads than spring crops. If buds begin to open or turn yellow, harvest immediately.

Saving Seeds:
DeCicco broccoli produces seed in its second year, so leave at least one healthy plant unharvested to flower and set seed. After yellow flowers appear, long green pods will begin to form—these contain the seeds. Allow the pods to fully mature and dry on the plant. For easier handling, pull the plant and hang it upside down to finish drying. Once crisp, gently twist the pods open over a sheet of white paper to collect the tiny seeds.

Store in a labeled envelope in a cool, dry place. We also offer seed-saving envelopes—an easy, tidy way to label your varieties and keep everything organized, season after season. Properly stored, DeCicco broccoli seeds remain viable for up to 5 years. For purity, isolate from other brassicas to prevent cross-pollination.

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