De Cicco Organic Broccoli

De Cicco Organic Broccoli is a popular variety of broccoli that is known for its tender, sweet flavor and abundant yields. It is a cold-hardy, heirloom variety that is easy to grow and produces multiple harvests throughout the growing season.

To grow De Cicco Organic Broccoli from seeds, you will need:

1. De Cicco Organic Broccoli seeds – these can be purchased from a garden store or online.
2. A seed tray or small pots – use a container with drainage holes in the bottom.
3. Potting soil – use a well-draining potting mix that is appropriate for starting seeds.
4. Water – to keep the soil moist.
5. A sunny location – broccoli plants require full sun to thrive.
6. Fertilizer – you can use a general-purpose fertilizer once the plants have started growing.

Broccoli can be a difficult plant to grow.  It is one of the top vegetables many have difficulty growing. 

Planting, timing, and watering details are very specific. Temperature is also a big factor. Long periods of hot weather may cause heat stress, which damages the plant and its development.  Standard broccoli prefers cooler temperatures and grows best in the spring and fall. For this reason it is known as a “cool season” vegetable.

Spring planting: Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior to your last frost dates.
Be sure not to expose spring transplants to frost.
Summer planting (for a fall crop): Slightly less time is needed for a fall crop. This is due to seedlings often grow faster in the summer than in the spring. Start seeds six weeks prior to planting. A good practice for the day to start your seeds is to calculate your plant date by counting back approximately two months from your first frost dates.
Broccoli should tolerate a light frost when it is planted as a fall crop.

Here are the basic steps to grow De Cicco Organic Broccoli from seeds:

1. Fill the seed tray or small pots with potting soil.
2. Moisten the soil with water and let it drain.
3. Sow the De Cicco Organic Broccoli seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them in.  Broccoli needs well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). 
4. Cover the seeds lightly with soil.
5. Water the soil gently with a watering can or a spray bottle.
6. Cover the seed tray or pots with a plastic wrap or a clear plastic lid to create a mini greenhouse effect.
7. Place the seed tray or pots in a warm, sunny location.
8. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist but not waterlogged.
9. After the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover and move them to a sunny location.
10. When the plants are big enough, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden. 
11. Fertilize the plants every few weeks during the growing season.  Broccoli is a heavy nitrogen feeder, making nitrogen-rich compost a good source for the nutrient.
12. When harvesting broccoli, cut the center head before its flower buds open. The plant will produce secondary shoots if left in the ground. Be sure to cut the center head and not the small secondary shoots which will start to emerge a few inches down on either side of the stalk. Harvesting shoots as they develop will encourage more growth.

Consistent soil moisture will produce the best broccoli heads. At a minimum, supply one inch of water per week. Ideally this is through rainfall, but that is not always possible.  There are two critical watering periods:

1. When the transplants are being established, just after planting.
2. When the head develops.

Optimal temperature for broccoli head production is 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making spring and fall crops the most successful.

For more information, check out Farmer’s Almanac information on how to grow broccoli.

De Cicco Organic Broccoli has many medicinal benefits, including:

1. Cancer prevention: Broccoli contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. It is particularly effective in reducing the risk of colon, lung, and breast cancer.
2. Heart health: Broccoli is rich in fiber, potassium, and other nutrients that are important for heart health. It can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Digestive health: The fiber in broccoli can help to promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of constipation.
4. Immune system support: Broccoli is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help to boost the immune system and protect against illness.

Overall, De Cicco Organic Broccoli is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can provide many health benefits when consumed regularly. With proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this nutritious vegetable from your own garden.