What hardiness zones is Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' suitable for?

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.

What are the sun requirements for Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco'?

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' need?

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' has High water needs.

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco', Di Cicco Broccoli

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Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco'

Di Cicco Broccoli

Brassicaceae

Coastal Europe (B. oleracea italica; Di Cicco Italian heirloom 1890s; small central head + prolific side shoots; open-pollinated; extended harvest)

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b

Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' is an annual vegetable reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall with a spread of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and an upright, branching habit. An Italian heirloom broccoli from the 1890s, it produces a central head 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) in diameter—smaller than modern hybrids—followed by numerous side shoots 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) that continue producing for 4-6 weeks after the central head is cut. Blue-green leaves and stems. Days to maturity 50-65 from transplant. Growth rate is moderate to fast. The prolific side-shoot production is the defining trait—extended harvest over weeks rather than a single large head. Open-pollinated—saves true to seed.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea (italica group—broccoli) descended from wild cabbage native to coastal Europe. 'Di Cicco' is an Italian heirloom from the 1890s.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—steaming, roasting, stir-fry, raw. Prolific side-shoot production for 4-6 weeks. Extended harvest. Italian heirloom 1890s. Open-pollinated—seed saving. 50-65 days. Smaller central head than hybrids. Cool-season. Not suitable for single large-head harvest or hot climates.

How to Identify

Distinguished from modern hybrid broccoli by the smaller central head (3-4 versus 6-8 inches) and the prolific extended side-shoot production (4-6 weeks). Distinguished from broccoli raab (B. rapa) by the heading (versus non-heading) habit. Di Cicco broccoli—small central head then prolific side shoots for weeks, Italian heirloom 1890s, open-pollinated, extended harvest.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Yellow four-petaled flowers if heads are not harvested—the green 'head' is a cluster of unopened flower buds. Harvest when buds are tight and before any yellow shows. Side shoots continue for weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; four-petaled; harvest before any yellow shows

Foliage Description

Blue-green; on thick stems; central head then side shoots

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

50-65 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Transplant into rich, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Consistent moisture and fertility. Cool temperatures 60-70°F (16-21°C) for head formation. Days to maturity 50-65 from transplant. Cut central head when 3-4 inches and buds are tight—leave plant for side shoots. Harvest side shoots regularly to promote continued production.

Pruning

Cut central head with 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) of stem when buds are tight. Leave the plant to produce side shoots. Harvest side shoots at 2-3 inches regularly.