De Cicco Broccoli Growing Tool

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for De Cicco Broccoli in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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De Cicco Broccoli · Zones 3–10

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with high organic matter and nitrogen

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture

SeasonCool season

FlavorSweet, tender, and mild with excellent texture

ColorDeep blue-green

Size3-4 inch main heads, 1-2 inch side shoots

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	March – April	May – June	July – August	June – October
Zone 4	March – April	May – June	July – August	June – November
Zone 5	February – March	April – May	July – August	June – November
Zone 6	February – March	April – May	July – August	May – November
Zone 7	January – February	March – April	July – September	May – December
Zone 8	January – February	February – March	July – September	April – December
Zone 9	December – January	February – March	August – October	March – December
Zone 10	November – December	January – February	September – November	February – December

Complete Growing Guide

Start your De Cicco broccoli journey by preparing rich, well-amended soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Work in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure, as this variety demands high nitrogen levels for continuous production. Choose a spot with morning sun exposure — while De Cicco needs 6-8 hours of sunlight, afternoon shade in zones 7-9 helps prevent premature bolting during heat waves.

For spring crops, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix at 65-70°F. Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, fertilize weekly with diluted fish emulsion. Harden off transplants gradually over 7-10 days before moving outdoors, as sudden temperature changes can trigger premature flowering.

Transplant when soil temperature reaches 50°F consistently, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet wide. Water transplants with a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer (like 10-5-5) to encourage robust leaf development. For fall crops, direct sow in late summer, timing your planting so heads mature during cool weather — typically 10-12 weeks before your first hard frost.

Maintain consistent soil moisture but avoid overhead watering, which invites fungal diseases. Apply a 2-inch layer of straw mulch around plants, keeping it 3 inches from stems. Side-dress with compost or balanced granular fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, focusing nitrogen-rich amendments early in the season.

Avoid the common mistake of harvesting too late — De Cicco's magic lies in cutting the main head while buds are tight and dark green. This triggers prolific side shoot production. Never let plants dry out completely, as stressed broccoli immediately bolts to seed. In hot climates, consider shade cloth during peak summer to extend your harvest window.

Harvesting

Harvest De Cicco's main head when it reaches 4-6 inches across with tight, dark green flower buds that show no signs of yellowing or opening. The head should feel firm and dense when gently squeezed — any softness indicates it's past prime. Cut the main stem 5-6 inches below the head using a sharp knife, making your cut at a slight angle to shed water and prevent rot.

Timing is crucial: harvest in early morning when plants are fully hydrated and temperatures are cool. The heads will be crisper and store longer. After cutting the main head, continue harvesting side shoots when they reach 2-4 inches across. These smaller heads develop rapidly, so check plants every 2-3 days during peak production.

Unlike many broccoli varieties, De Cicco will continue producing harvestable side shoots for 6-8 weeks after the initial cut. Leave 2-3 leaves on each side shoot stem when harvesting to fuel continued production. Stop harvesting once flower buds begin opening into yellow flowers, as the flavor becomes bitter at this stage.

Storage & Preservation

Store fresh De Cicco broccoli unwashed in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. Optimal storage temperature is 32°F with 95% humidity — it will maintain quality for 7-10 days. Never store at room temperature, as broccoli deteriorates rapidly, losing both flavor and nutritional value.

For freezing, blanch clean florets in boiling water for 3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly and freeze in portions suitable for your cooking needs. Properly blanched De Cicco maintains excellent texture for up to 12 months frozen.

Due to its tender texture, De Cicco excels in fermentation projects. Chop florets and stems for adding to kimchi or sauerkraut — the stems provide excellent crunch and the mild flavor doesn't overpower other vegetables. You can also dehydrate smaller florets at 125°F until crisp for adding to soups and stews throughout winter.

History & Origin

De Cicco broccoli traces its roots to southern Italy, where it was developed in the late 1800s by Italian market gardeners who needed a reliable variety for continuous harvest. The name "De Cicco" honors the Italian-American family who brought seeds to the United States in the early 1900s and helped establish it in American gardens.

This variety became particularly popular among Italian immigrants settling in California and the northeastern United States, who valued its ability to produce multiple harvests from a single plant — crucial for families depending on home gardens for fresh vegetables. Unlike the large-headed varieties developed for commercial agriculture, De Cicco remained true to its market garden origins, prioritizing flavor and extended productivity over uniform appearance.

By the 1940s, De Cicco had earned recognition in American seed catalogs as an exceptional home garden variety. Its genetics likely derive from the Calabrese broccoli types that originated in southern Italy's Calabria region, explaining its excellent heat tolerance compared to northern European brassica varieties. Today, it's preserved by seed savers who recognize its unique combination of productivity and superior eating quality.

Advantages

+Produces continuous side shoots for 6-8 weeks after main head harvest, extending your harvest window significantly
+Excellent heat tolerance allows growing in warmer zones where other broccoli varieties fail
+Compact size perfect for smaller gardens and intensive planting methods
+Superior flavor — sweeter and more tender than commercial hybrid varieties
+Never grows oversized or tough like large-headed varieties if harvest is delayed slightly
+Adapts well to both spring and fall growing seasons
+Side shoots are perfectly sized for single-meal portions

Considerations

-Main heads are smaller than commercial varieties, potentially disappointing for those expecting large crowns
-Requires consistent harvesting every 2-3 days during peak production or shoots become overmature quickly
-More susceptible to cabbage worms due to extended growing period
-Lower total yield per plant compared to large-headed varieties if you only harvest the main head

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids and whiteflies, may improve flavor

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cabbage worms, repels cucumber beetles

Marigold

Deters cabbage moths and other brassica pests with strong scent

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cabbage worms

Lettuce

Provides living mulch, efficient space use as it matures before broccoli needs full space

Spinach

Compatible root systems, harvested before broccoli reaches maturity

Onions

Repels cabbage moths, aphids, and cabbage root maggots with sulfur compounds

Celery

Repels cabbage white butterflies and improves growth through root interactions

Keep Apart

Tomatoes

Compete for similar nutrients, tomatoes can inhibit broccoli growth

Strawberries

Both are heavy feeders that compete for nutrients, can stunt broccoli development

Mustard

Same family (Brassicaceae), attracts similar pests and diseases, depletes soil nutrients

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good heat tolerance for broccoli, moderate disease resistance

Common Pests

Cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles, diamondback moths

Diseases

Clubroot, downy mildew, black rot, alternaria leaf spot

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does De Cicco broccoli take to grow?▼

De Cicco broccoli takes 48-85 days from transplant to first harvest, depending on growing conditions and season. Spring plantings typically mature in 60-75 days, while fall crops often develop faster in 48-60 days due to cooler temperatures. After harvesting the main head, side shoots continue producing for 6-8 additional weeks.

Can you grow De Cicco broccoli in containers?▼

Yes, De Cicco is excellent for container growing due to its compact size. Use containers at least 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide, with one plant per container. Provide rich potting mix amended with compost and fertilize every 2 weeks with liquid fertilizer. Container plants may need daily watering during hot weather.

Is De Cicco broccoli good for beginners?▼

De Cicco is ideal for beginning gardeners because it's forgiving and productive. Unlike varieties that produce one harvest, it keeps producing even if you miss the perfect harvest timing. Its heat tolerance also makes it more reliable in challenging conditions, and the continuous harvest teaches new gardeners proper cutting techniques.

What does De Cicco broccoli taste like?▼

De Cicco has a sweet, mild flavor with tender texture and no bitter aftertaste. The florets are less dense than commercial varieties, making them perfect for fresh eating and quick cooking methods. Both the heads and tender stems are edible, with the stems offering a pleasant crunch similar to broccoli raab.

When should I plant De Cicco broccoli?▼

Plant De Cicco 6-8 weeks before last frost for spring harvest, or 10-12 weeks before first hard frost for fall crops. In zones 8-10, plant in late fall for winter harvest. Fall plantings often produce better quality heads due to cooler temperatures during maturation.

De Cicco vs regular broccoli — what's the difference?▼

De Cicco produces smaller main heads (4-6 inches) but continues producing harvestable side shoots for weeks, while regular varieties typically give one large harvest. De Cicco has superior flavor, better heat tolerance, and works perfectly in small gardens, but yields less total weight if you prefer large single harvests.