Name: Brassica oleracea ‘De Cicco’
Brand: Les jardins de l'écoumène
SKU: ECOU-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

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Brocoli De Cicco. Tête de brocoli verte encore portée par le plant. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Vegetable Brassicaceae

Organic seeds

Les jardins de l'écoumène

Brassica oleracea var. italica

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameDe Cicco Broccoli

FamilyBrassicaceae

GenusBrassica

Speciesoleracea

CultivarDe Cicco

TypeVegetable

Botanical nameBrassica oleracea var. italica

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packet150 seeds

Brassica oleracea ‘De Cicco’ — De Cicco Broccoli. At the vegetable garden, Brassica oleracea var. italica develops a compact central head of a beautiful bluish green, followed by many lateral shoots that allow to pick over and over again over the weeks. This progressive abundance gives the garden a living dynamic, where each crop seems to call it another. Very appreciated for its tenderness and sweet flavour, slightly sweet, it lends itself as well to steam cooking as to sautéed, soups or freezing. Grown in spring or autumn, it appreciates cool temperatures that encourage the formation of tight, flavourful heads.

Sowing broccoli seeds: April to June. The depth to be respected is 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F). Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops.

Organic broccoli ‘De Cicco' is a long-established variety of Italian origin that seduces with its generosity and its remarkable ability to extend the harvest. Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant. The foliage eventually covers much of the soil: weed early, before access becomes difficult. Avoid placing small, fragile crops directly under their leaves. Well-spaced planting also makes it easier to install protective netting and cut mature cabbage heads or stems at harvest. Its vigorous growth gives the vegetable garden a clearly defined structure while contributing to regular harvests of vegetables for use in the kitchen.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in)

Germination temperature

18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F)

Germination time

7 to 14 days

Sowing period

April to June

Propagation

From seed

Growing method

Recommended planting period: April to June. The depth to be respected is 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F). Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, for early signs of eggs, caterpillars or feeding damage. Suitable insect netting can help protect the foliage while still allowing air and light to pass through. Leave enough access to inspect the centre of the plant or its developing head. Plan to harvest while the edible parts are still at the desired stage, before they harden or open. Use a clean knife to cut without tearing the foliage you want to keep. Monitor brassica crops closely from the time they are planted in the garden.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Moisture

Keep the growing mix moist during germination, without standing water; then adjust to the crop

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist while the plants become established and while the part you intend to harvest is developing. Water at the base of the plant, providing enough to moisten the root zone, then allow the excess water to drain away. A layer of mulch can help limit drying between waterings, provided it is kept away from direct contact with the stems. Check plants growing in containers more frequently, because their potting mix can dry out quickly. Reduce watering after rainfall and avoid leaving the roots in soil that remains constantly saturated with water.

Soil type

Prepare a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops.

Fertilization

Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.

Seasonal care

Organic broccoli ‘De Cicco' is a long-established variety of Italian origin that seduces with its generosity and its remarkable ability to extend the harvest. Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, for early signs of eggs, caterpillars or feeding damage. Suitable insect netting can help protect the foliage while still allowing air and light to pass through. Leave enough access to inspect the centre of the plant or its developing head. Plan to harvest while the edible parts are still at the desired stage, before they harden or open. Use a clean knife to cut without tearing the foliage you want to keep. Monitor brassica crops closely from the time they are planted in the garden. Check the undersides of the leaves for small caterpillars and the first signs of feeding damage. Netting put in place early can protect the crop, provided it leaves enough room for the foliage to grow. Close the edges well after treatment, without blocking the leaves against the mesh. At the vegetable garden, Brassica oleracea var. italica develops a compact central head of a beautiful bluish green, followed by many lateral shoots that allow to pick over and over again over the weeks.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Suitable for containers

Yes

Recommended pot size

A stable container with drainage holes, enough width for the plant’s spread and sufficient depth for its roots

Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in). In a container, give each cabbage enough space so that its foliage is not pressed against the leaves of a neighbouring plant. The pot should remain stable as the part you intend to harvest grows larger and heavier. Keep the root ball evenly moist and check the undersides of the leaves when watering the plants. Choose the container according to the plant’s mature size, even if the young plant still looks small when it is time to pot it up. At the vegetable garden, Brassica oleracea var. italica develops a compact central head of a beautiful bluish green, followed by many lateral shoots that allow to pick over and over again over the weeks. This progressive abundance gives the garden a living dynamic, where each crop seems to call it another. Very appreciated for its tenderness and sweet flavour, slightly sweet, it lends itself as well to steam cooking as to sautéed, soups or freezing. Grown in spring or autumn, it appreciates cool temperatures that encourage the formation of tight, flavourful heads. In fertile soil, fresh and well drained, with good exposure to the sun, it offers beautiful performances even for less experienced gardeners.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in.)

Width / spread

45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)

Foliage type

Seasonal foliage

Growth habit

Compact

Edible parts

Floral buds, young stems and leaves

Bloom period

Flowering usually occurs in this period: summer. For a vegetable harvest, cut the broccoli florets while the individual flower buds are still tightly closed. Open flowers show that the plant has reached a more advanced stage beyond the usual harvest of closed florets. Reserve some separate plants if you want to see their flowering rather than harvest all the bouquets. The timing depends on seeding, temperature, and plant development.

Fruiting

At the vegetable garden, Brassica oleracea var. italica develops a compact central head of a beautiful bluish green, followed by many lateral shoots that allow to pick over and over again over the weeks. This progressive abundance gives the garden a living dynamic, where each crop seems to call it another. Very appreciated for its tenderness and sweet flavour, slightly sweet, it lends itself as well to steam cooking as to sautéed, soups or freezing.

Harvest

50 to 85 days after sowing

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

In a mixed planting, you can reserve sections close to these plants: carrots, beets, spinach. The association is used here to organize space and crops. Allow for the height, light requirements and water needs of each plant, leaving enough room between the foliage. Keep a path clear for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to make room for the next planting. This arrangement makes maintenance easier without promising protection against garden pests. Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant.

Garden use

Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant. The foliage eventually covers much of the soil: weed early, before access becomes difficult. Avoid placing small, fragile crops directly under their leaves. Well-spaced planting also makes it easier to install protective netting and cut mature cabbage heads or stems at harvest. At the vegetable garden, Brassica oleracea var. italica develops a compact central head of a beautiful bluish green, followed by many lateral shoots that allow to pick over and over again over the weeks. Its vigorous growth gives the vegetable garden a clearly defined structure while contributing to regular harvests of vegetables for use in the kitchen. This progressive abundance gives the garden a living dynamic, where each crop seems to call it another. Very appreciated for its tenderness and sweet flavour, slightly sweet, it lends itself as well to steam cooking as to sautéed, soups or freezing. Grown in spring or autumn, it appreciates cool temperatures that encourage the formation of tight, flavourful heads. In fertile soil, fresh and well drained, with good exposure to the sun, it offers beautiful performances even for less experienced gardeners.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Recipe idea using De Cicco Broccoli: vegetable stir-fry for four servings. Prepare 400 g of the harvested part, a clove of garlic, 15 ml of oil and 30 ml of water. Cut stems, leaf ribs or other firm parts into small pieces, and set the leaves aside to add separately. Heat the oil, sauté the garlic without burning it, then add the firm pieces and water. Cover for a few minutes. Then add the leaves or other tender parts and continue cooking until they reach the texture you prefer. Season to taste and serve hot. Prepare the ingredients with clean utensils and adapt the cut to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, keep enough space in the dish to mix or cook evenly. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within two days. For a two-person meal, simply divide all quantities by two.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow De Cicco Broccoli from seed?

Recommended planting period: April to June. The depth to be respected is 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F). Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops.

Can I grow De Cicco Broccoli in a container?

Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in). In a container, give each cabbage enough space so that its foliage is not pressed against the leaves of a neighbouring plant. The pot should remain stable as the part you intend to harvest grows larger and heavier. Keep the root ball evenly moist and check the undersides of the leaves when watering the plants. Choose the container according to the plant’s mature size, even if the young plant still looks small when it is time to pot it up. At the vegetable garden, Brassica oleracea var. italica develops a compact central head of a beautiful bluish green, followed by many lateral shoots that allow to pick over and over again over the weeks.

When can I harvest De Cicco Broccoli?

At the vegetable garden, Brassica oleracea var. italica develops a compact central head of a beautiful bluish green, followed by many lateral shoots that allow to pick over and over again over the weeks. This progressive abundance gives the garden a living dynamic, where each crop seems to call it another. Very appreciated for its tenderness and sweet flavour, slightly sweet, it lends itself as well to steam cooking as to sautéed, soups or freezing. Its vigorous growth gives the vegetable garden a clearly defined structure while contributing to regular harvests of vegetables for use in the kitchen. Monitor brassica crops closely from the time they are planted in the garden.

What makes De Cicco Broccoli distinctive in the garden?

At the vegetable garden, Brassica oleracea var. italica develops a compact central head of a beautiful bluish green, followed by many lateral shoots that allow to pick over and over again over the weeks. This progressive abundance gives the garden a living dynamic, where each crop seems to call it another. Very appreciated for its tenderness and sweet flavour, slightly sweet, it lends itself as well to steam cooking as to sautéed, soups or freezing. Grown in spring or autumn, it appreciates cool temperatures that encourage the formation of tight, flavourful heads. In fertile soil, fresh and well drained, with good exposure to the sun, it offers beautiful performances even for less experienced gardeners.

How do I arrange a planting of De Cicco Broccoli?

Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant. As the plants grow, their foliage will cover much of the soil surface, so weed the bed early while you can still reach between the plants easily. Avoid placing small, fragile crops directly under their leaves. Well-spaced planting also makes it easier to install protective netting and cut mature cabbage heads or stems at harvest. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, for early signs of eggs, caterpillars or feeding damage. Suitable insect netting can help protect the foliage while still allowing air and light to pass through.