BROCCOLI - DE CICCIO

 Organic Broccoli Di Ciccio

        100 Seeds Pack   

Italian Di Ciccio broccoli is native to Italy, where it was introduced in 1890. It is popular with home gardeners and small farms because of the many off-shoots, maturing at different times, resulting in an extended harvest time.  

 Italian Di Ciccio broccoli is a small to medium-sized sprouting broccoli type with long, slender, light green stems. They form a central head, or dome, and several offshoots forming smaller heads. The central stems and rounded, bluish green florets grow up to 10 centimetres long and smaller side-shoots grow up to 7 centimetres long. Italian Di Ciccio broccoli offers a sweet, earthy flavour. The tender stems and baby kale-like leaves are also edible and have a similar flavour. 

PLANTING & GROWING

To prevent spring planted calabrese sprouting broccoli from flowering during summer harvest, start plants indoors six to eight weeks before the final frost. Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm.) deep in a good quality starter soil and keep moist during germination. Place sprouted seedlings near a window or under grow lights. 

To prevent sun scorched leaves and transplant shock, each broccoli plant will need hardened off before planting in the garden. To harden vegetable plants, slowly introduce them to full sunlight and windy conditions by exposing them to the outdoors for an increasingly longer period of time each day. Using a portable mini greenhouse can aid in this process.

Once the ground has sufficiently warmed and danger of frost has past, transplant calabrese sprouting broccoli to a sunny location with good drainage. Fall crops of broccoli can be started in midsummer by direct seeding into the garden. Thin or transplant broccoli to space plants 12 to 16 inches (30-40 cm.) apart. Keep soil moist and control competition from weeds by removing unwanted plants or mulching. 

Celery, potatoes, and onions are companions to broccoli that are said to improve broccoli’s flavour. Beets, as well as nasturtiums and marigolds make great companions since they do not require the large amount of calcium that broccoli craves. 

Neve plant near Tomatoes and other nightshades. To prevent disease transmission, rotate crops. Avoid planting broccoli where any member of the cabbage family has been grown in the past three years.