Broccoli De Cicco is a celebrated Italian heirloom that redefines broccoli harvesting with its extended productivity and authentic flavor profile. These non-GMO seeds produce compact 3–4 inch main heads followed by an impressive succession of tender side-shoot spears, dramatically lengthening your harvest window compared to conventional varieties. The staggered maturity of shoots means continuous picking throughout the season rather than a single bulk harvest — a significant advantage for home gardeners and small producers seeking fresh supply. Harvest the main head at 3 inches or smaller to maximize side-shoot development and overall yield. De Cicco’s tender florets deliver the complex, slightly sweet flavor characteristic of traditional Italian broccoli, making it equally suited to fresh preparation, steaming, or roasting. Ready in approximately 48–65 days.

Germination Rate: 93%. Test Date: 1/26. JSS.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 75%.

Why Choose Broccoli De Cicco?

• Heirloom Seed: Passed down through generations for at least 75 years for reliable harvests and authentic flavor.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA structure has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.
• Continuous Side-Shoot Production: After the main head is harvested, plants produce an extended succession of tender side spears — weeks more harvest from a single planting.
• Compact 3–4″ Heads: Ideal for smaller gardens and raised beds — high productivity from a modest footprint.
• Authentic Italian Flavor: Complex, slightly sweet florets with rich traditional broccoli flavor — far superior to commercial varieties.
• Dual Season: Performs well in both spring and fall — plant twice a year for near year-round harvests in mild climates.
• Easy to Grow: Forgiving of small mistakes — a great choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Planting Tips for Success

• When to Plant: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost for spring planting, or direct sow in late summer for fall harvest. Broccoli prefers cool growing conditions (45–75°F).
• Sunlight: Full sun — at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Amend with compost before planting for best results.
• Planting Depth: Sow seeds ¼–½ inch deep. Transplant seedlings outdoors when 4–6 weeks old.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart. Adequate spacing improves airflow and head development.
• Watering: Water consistently — about 1–1.5 inches per week. Even moisture is critical for head formation and side-shoot production.
• Support: No staking needed — De Cicco is a compact, self-supporting plant.
• Fertilizing: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer at transplanting and again when heads begin to form. Broccoli is a heavy feeder.
• Harvesting: Cut the main head at 3–4 inches before it begins to open or yellow. Then harvest side shoots regularly to encourage continued production.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Great Customer Service: David answers all customer service questions. Usually within a few minutes.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Steaming: Steam florets 4–6 minutes for tender, vibrant green broccoli that retains maximum nutrition.
• Roasting: Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes — edges caramelize beautifully for rich, nutty flavor.
• Sautéing: Sauté in olive oil or butter with garlic for a quick, flavorful side dish.
• Stir-Frying: Blanch briefly then stir-fry with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired preparation.
• Raw/Fresh: Enjoy raw florets in salads or as a crunchy snack with dip — De Cicco’s tender texture makes it excellent fresh.
• Blanching & Freezing: Blanch 3 minutes, cool in ice water, and freeze for up to 12 months.

Order Broccoli De Cicco Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own fresh Italian heirloom broccoli in your spring and fall gardens.

Nutritional Information

Per 1 cup (91g) raw broccoli florets (harvested vegetable, not planting seeds):

• Calories: 31
• Total Fat: 0.3g (0% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 30mg (1% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g (2% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2.4g (9% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1.5g
• Protein: 2.6g
• Vitamin C: 81.2mg (90% Daily Value)
• Vitamin K: 92.5mcg (77% Daily Value)
• Folate: 57mcg (14% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 288mg (6% Daily Value)

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heirloom varieties may exhibit natural variation in size, color, and maturation. Results may vary based on growing conditions, climate, and gardening practices.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Properly stored broccoli seeds remain viable for 3–5 years.
• Planting Zones: Broccoli De Cicco thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3–10 as a cool-season crop. Best planted in spring and fall — avoid peak summer heat.

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