Broccoli
Seed # 84
Basic Information
- Seed Number
- 84
- Seed Name
- Broccoli
- Variety
- De Cicco
- Category
- Vegetable
- Plant Family
- Brassicaceae
- Plant Type
- Sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
- Planting Method
- Direct Sow or Transplant
- Seed Status
- In Seed Bank
- Created
- 2026-08-14 00:50:34
- Updated
- 2026-08-19 15:35:29
Planting Information
- Start Planting Date
- Mar 10
- Last Recommended Planting Date
- Jul 15
- Plantable Months
- March, April, May, June, July
- Indoor Start
- Mar 10 – Apr 1
- Direct Sow
- Apr 7 – Jul 15
- Transplant
- Apr 15 – Aug 1
- Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost
- 8 weeks
- Transplant Weeks After Frost
- Not recorded
- Germination Days
- 7–14 days
- Harvest/Maturity
- 48–65 days
- Succession Planting
- 14 days
Growing Conditions
- Ideal Soil Temperature
- 60-75°F
- Planting Depth
- 1/4 in
- Plant Spacing
- 18-24 in
- Row Spacing
- 30-36 in
- Thin-To Spacing
- 18-24 in
- Sun Requirements
- Full sun
- Water Needs
- 1-2 in/week; maintain consistent moisture during head development
- Soil Preference
- Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; approximately pH 6.0-7.5
- Minimum Container Size
- 12+ in
- Plant Height
- 18-24 in
- Perennial/Biennial Status
- Annual
- Container Friendly
- Yes
- Trellis/Support Needed
- No
- Frost Tolerant
- Yes
- Heat Tolerant
- No
- Drought Tolerant
- No
- Pollinator Friendly
- Yes
- Medicinal
- No
Garden Uses
Container Culinary Pollinator Seed SavingCompanion Planting
| Plant | Relationship | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beets | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Dill | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Lettuce | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Lettuce | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Lettuce | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Lettuce | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Lettuce | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Nasturtiums | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Nasturtiums | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Beans | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Thyme | Pest Deterrent | Research summarized by University of Minnesota Extension found thyme reduced some brassica caterpillar pests. |
Storage
- Seed Source/Brand
- MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit
- Packet Year
- Not recorded
- Quantity Notes
- Not recorded
- Purchase Date
- Not recorded
- Expiration Year
- Not recorded
- Storage Box
- Not recorded
- Container
- Not recorded
- Envelope
- Not recorded
- Row
- Not recorded
- Slot
- Not recorded
- Storage Notes
- Not recorded
Notes
Original Planting Method: Start indoors; transplant
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 15 – May 15; Jul 15 – Aug 10
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 60–90 days from transplant
Container Friendly: Yes, 5+ gal
Pollinator Friendly: Flowers if allowed to bloom
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: For fall, start indoors mid-June to mid-July.
Zone 6B Notes: Cool weather crop; protect from cabbage worms.
Companion Plants: Onions, garlic, dill, chamomile, calendula, nasturtium, beets, lettuce
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Strawberries, pole beans close by
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: De Cicco performs well as both a spring and fall broccoli. Start spring plants indoors and sow another crop in midsummer for fall production. Cooler fall weather improves broccoli quality.
Germination: Germinates readily in cool to moderate soil. Maintain consistent moisture.
Harvest: Harvest the small central head while buds are tight, then continue cutting the numerous side shoots. De Cicco is prized for an extended sprouting harvest rather than one large uniform head.
Seed Saving: Broccoli is biennial for seed production and crosses readily with other Brassica oleracea crops, including kale, cabbage, cauliflower, collards and Brussels sprouts.
Special Care: Pinching the main shoot can encourage heavier side-shoot production. Monitor for cabbage worms and flea beetles.
Companion: Sage [Pest Deterrent] — University extension research summaries report reduced diamondback moth populations on brassicas when sage is present.
Companion: Thyme [Pest Deterrent] — Research summarized by University of Minnesota Extension found thyme reduced some brassica caterpillar pests.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/broccoli/mini-broccoli/de-cicco-organic-broccoli-seed-148.html — De Cicco identity, Italian heirloom status, side-shoot production, spring/fall culture and pinching recommendation
Research Source: Urban Farmer — https://www.ufseeds.com/product/de-cicco-broccoli-seeds/BRDC.html — 48-65 day maturity and 18-24 inch plant height
Research Source: Annie's Heirloom Seeds — https://anniesheirloomseeds.com/products/de-cicco-broccoli-brassica-oleracea — 7-14 day germination, 65-day maturity, 1/4-inch depth and 18-24 inch spacing
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]