De Cicco Broccoli

49-78 days. [~1890.] Produces a 3-6 in. diameter central head and side sprouts which extend the harvest period. Use the young leaves like collard greens once the head is a quarter developed. Plants are light green and of medium height. May be planted in the early spring, late summer, or early fall.

How to Grow: Culture of broccoli is similar to cabbage, but broccoli is more sensitive to hot weather. Start seeds indoors 4-5 weeks before transplanting out. Transplants should have at least 4 leaves. Transplant starting 1 month before last spring frost. (If seedlings experience 20 degrees F or lower they may “button up” and only make tiny heads, because the plants will think that they’ve gone through a winter and that it’s time to flower.) Broccoli does best in cooler weather – avoid maturing heads in deep summer heat. For fall crops start seed 10-12 weeks before the first hard freeze date, and transplant to garden after seedlings are well developed. Broccoli requires a steady supply of moisture in a well-drained fertile soil. Any temporary arrest of growth will adversely affect production and taste. Keep a deep layer of mulch on the soil during hot weather. Side-sprouting varieties have smaller central heads with many side sprouts, a feature that is useful for extended harvest. Plant in raised beds or rows 12-16 in. apart.

Maturity Dates: Days to maturity are from transplanting. Add 25 days if from seed.

Seed Savers: Broccoli will cross with brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, and kohlrabi, and most kale. Broccoli Raab will cross with Chinese cabbage, turnips, and some rapeseed (canola). Isolate by 1/8 mile for home use. For pure seed of small plantings isolate by 1/4 to 1/2 mile.

Packet: 2 g (average 600 seeds).