Broccoli De Cicco is an Italian heirloom valued for small main heads followed by a succession of tender side shoots. The main heads typically measure about 3 to 4 inches, making this a useful choice for gardeners who prefer several smaller harvests rather than one large crop. Cut the main head while its buds are tight, around 3 inches or smaller, then pick side shoots regularly as they develop. Its tender florets suit steaming, roasting, sautéing, and fresh preparations. Maturity is approximately 48 to 65 days, with timing varying by growing conditions. Each packet contains 100 non-GMO, heirloom seeds for planting.

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

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 75%.

Why Choose Broccoli De Cicco?

• Italian heirloom: Grow a traditional variety known for tender broccoli and an extended picking season.
• Non-GMO seeds: A choice for gardeners seeking non-GMO vegetable seed.
• Side-shoot production: Plants can keep producing smaller spears after the central head is cut, providing repeated harvests when conditions remain favorable.
• Small main heads: Heads about 3 to 4 inches wide are convenient for smaller meals and fresh use.
• Versatile flavor: Tender florets work in simple side dishes, pasta, soups, and stir-fries.
• Cool-season growing: Plan spring or fall plantings around your local climate to avoid the strongest summer heat.

Planting Tips for Success

• Timing: Start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost for spring planting. For fall crops, work backward from local frost dates and allow enough time for establishment and harvest.
• Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily.
• Soil: Choose fertile, well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporate compost before planting.
• Sowing: Sow about ¼ to ½ inch deep and keep the seed-starting mix moist, not waterlogged. Harden seedlings off before transplanting.
• Spacing: Set plants about 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 24 to 36 inches apart to allow airflow and room for side shoots.
• Watering: Supply consistent moisture, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches weekly including rainfall, adjusted for soil and weather. Mulch to help retain moisture.
• Support: Plants generally do not need staking; firm soil around transplants and support individual plants if wind causes leaning.
• Fertilizing: Broccoli benefits from adequate fertility. Follow soil-test recommendations and fertilizer label directions rather than applying excess nitrogen.
• Pest monitoring: Check leaf undersides for caterpillars. Properly installed insect netting or row covers can help protect young plants.
• Harvest: Cut the main head while buds are tightly closed, around 3 inches or smaller. Continue harvesting side shoots before buds open or yellow.

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.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Steaming: Steam florets until just tender, often about 4 to 6 minutes depending on size, then season with lemon or herbs.
• Roasting: Toss with olive oil and roast at 425°F until tender with browned edges. Check tender side shoots earlier than large florets.
• Sautéing: Cook bite-size florets or side shoots with garlic and olive oil; add a splash of water and cover briefly if stems need more time.
• Stir-frying: Cut pieces to an even size and stir-fry with ginger, garlic, and your favorite sauce.
• Fresh use: Wash thoroughly and add small florets to salads or vegetable trays.
• Freezing: Follow a tested broccoli blanching and freezing method, cool promptly in ice water, drain, and pack in freezer-safe containers.

Order Broccoli De Cicco Seeds Today

Grow Italian heirloom broccoli for fresh main heads and tender side-shoot harvests in your cool-season garden.

Nutritional Information

Existing listing reference per 1 cup (91 g) raw broccoli florets, harvested vegetables rather than planting seeds. These are general broccoli figures, not a De Cicco-specific laboratory analysis.

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

% Daily Value indicates a nutrient's contribution to a daily diet. Actual nutrition varies with harvest, serving size, and preparation; added ingredients change the values.

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Head size, side-shoot production, maturity, flavor, and yield vary with weather, soil, moisture, and garden care.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight. Moisture and heat reduce storage life.
• Planting Zones: Broccoli is a cool-season crop. Choose planting dates based on local temperatures and frost patterns rather than hardiness zone alone.

Grow something beautiful. Grow something delicious. Grow with David's Garden Seeds®.

Garden Recipe: Lemon-Garlic Roasted De Cicco Broccoli

Bring out the flavor of freshly harvested De Cicco florets and side shoots with olive oil, garlic, and a bright lemon finish. This recipe uses harvested broccoli, not the planting seeds in the packet.

Serves: 4 as a side. Prep: 10 minutes. Cooking: 15 to 22 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound harvested De Cicco broccoli florets and tender side shoots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest from a washed lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, optional

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Wash the broccoli under running water and dry thoroughly so it roasts rather than steams.
2. Trim tough stem ends. Cut larger florets into similarly sized pieces and split thick stems lengthwise. Keep tender side shoots intact when practical.
3. Toss the broccoli with 1½ tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
4. Roast for 10 minutes. Toss the sliced garlic with the remaining ½ tablespoon oil and add it to the pan. Turn the broccoli and roast another 5 to 12 minutes, until tender with lightly browned edges. Check small side shoots early and remove any that finish sooner.
5. Transfer to a serving dish and toss with lemon zest and juice. Add optional Parmesan and serve warm with lemon wedges.

Options and Storage

• Extra seasoning: Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting for gentle heat.
• Meal idea: Toss the roasted broccoli with cooked pasta or serve beside beans, rice, or your favorite main course.
• Dairy-free: Omit the optional Parmesan.
• Leftovers: Refrigerate in a shallow covered container within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F. Use within 3 to 4 days and reheat to 165°F.

Growing a Doomsday Garden by David Schulze