Di Cicco Broccoli: The Heirloom Favorite

Di Cicco broccoli is a treasured heirloom variety that has delighted gardeners for over a century. This Italian heirloom is celebrated for its exceptional flavor, prolific side shoot production, and ability to thrive in both spring and fall gardens. If you're seeking a broccoli variety that rewards you with abundant harvests and outstanding taste, Di Cicco is an excellent choice.

What Makes Di Cicco Special

Di Cicco produces medium-sized heads with a looser, more delicate structure compared to modern hybrids. The florets are tender and flavorful, with a slightly sweeter taste that many gardeners prefer. What truly sets Di Cicco apart is its remarkable ability to generate numerous side shoots after the main head is harvested—often producing more side shoots than the main head itself.

This prolific branching habit means you'll enjoy continuous harvests throughout the season from a single planting. The smaller side shoots are perfect for individual servings or adding to mixed vegetable dishes, making Di Cicco incredibly practical for home cooks.

Planting and Growing Di Cicco

Di Cicco matures in 60 to 90 days and performs beautifully in cool-season gardens. Plant seeds in early spring or mid-summer for fall harvests. This variety prefers full sun and fertile, well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer supports vigorous growth and abundant side shoot development.

Di Cicco is relatively pest-resistant and adapts well to various climates, making it suitable for gardeners across different regions. Proper spacing ensures good air circulation and helps prevent disease. This heirloom variety is forgiving and reliable, rewarding attentive gardeners with impressive yields.

Harvesting and Enjoying Di Cicco

Cut the main head when it reaches a manageable size, leaving several inches of stem to encourage side shoot development. The real magic of Di Cicco happens after the main harvest—side shoots will emerge continuously for weeks. Pick them when they're 4 to 6 inches long for the most tender, flavorful results.

Di Cicco's delicate flavor and tender texture make it perfect for steaming, sautéing, or enjoying raw. Grow this heirloom variety and experience why gardeners have cherished Di Cicco for generations.

• This variety of Broccoli produces tightly packed, blue/green flower heads on strong short stems. 
  
  - Can be picked regularly and new shoots will continue to grow!
  
  - This is one of the more popular Broccoli varieties available. 
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 65 days
  
  
• Broccoli is high in vitamin C, as well as dietary fiber; it also contains multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties, such as diindolylmethane and small amounts of selenium. A single serving provides more than 30 mg of Vitamin C and a half-cup provides 52 mg of Vitamin C.