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 moderate to high water needs.

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco', Di Cicco Broccoli

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Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco'

Di Cicco Broccoli

BrassicaceaeEurope

At a Glance

Typevegetable

Habitupright

Foliagedeciduous

Height18-24 inches

Width18-24 inches

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

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' is a compact, early-maturing broccoli cultivar that produces dense, blue-green heads with fine, tightly packed florets. This heritage variety, developed in the 1890s by Italian immigrants to America, typically forms medium-sized central heads measuring 4-6 inches across, followed by numerous smaller side shoots that extend the harvest period. The plant features sturdy, upright stems with thick, waxy blue-green leaves that have prominent white veins and slightly serrated edges. Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' is particularly valued for its reliability in cool weather conditions and its ability to produce multiple harvests from a single plant, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners seeking a productive and flavorful broccoli variety.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea is native to the Mediterranean region and Atlantic coasts of western and southwestern Europe, including the British Isles, where wild forms can still be found growing on rocky cliffs and coastal areas. The cultivar 'Di Cicco' was developed in Italy and brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century.

Suggested Uses

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers. Its compact size makes it suitable for small-space gardening, while its prolific side shoot production provides extended harvests for fresh eating, steaming, or freezing. The attractive blue-green foliage can serve as an ornamental element in edible landscapes or kitchen gardens.

How to Identify

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' can be identified by its compact growth habit, typically reaching 18-24 inches in height, and its characteristic blue-green coloration throughout the plant. The central head forms as a tight cluster of small, dense florets arranged in a spiral pattern, with the head appearing more compact and finer-textured than many modern broccoli varieties. The leaves are distinctively thick and waxy with prominent white midribs, and the plant tends to produce abundant side shoots after the main head is harvested, creating a bushier appearance than single-harvest varieties.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

SpringSummer

late spring to early summer if allowed to bolt

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow

Foliage Description

blue-green with white veins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• 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

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

48-65 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, with soil that remains evenly moist but well-draining to prevent root rot. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when heads begin to form. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the base of the stem. Monitor regularly for common brassica pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles, using row covers during early growth stages for protection. Harvest the main head while florets are tight and before any yellow flowers appear, cutting at an angle to promote side shoot development.

Pruning

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' requires minimal pruning beyond harvesting. Cut the main head when florets are tight and fully formed, leaving 4-6 inches of stem and several leaves to encourage side shoot production. Remove any yellowing or damaged lower leaves throughout the growing season to improve air circulation and prevent disease. After harvesting side shoots, the entire plant can be removed and composted, or left to bolt and produce flowers for beneficial insects if desired.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Brassica oleracea 'Di Cicco' is safe for human consumption when properly prepared. All parts of the plant are edible, though the florets and tender leaves are most commonly consumed. Raw consumption in large quantities may affect thyroid function in sensitive individuals due to naturally occurring compounds called goitrogens.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring, 2-3 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

48–65 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

lettuce

spinach

onions

carrots

beets

nasturtiums

marigolds

Avoid Planting With

tomatoes

peppers

strawberries

beans