Broccoli Di Ciccio ( Brassica olearacea ) is a cruciferous vegetable that was developed in Italy during the 1890s. Ready to harvest in 70-80 days, this Italian heirloom produces greenish-blue heads of up to 13 cm (5 inches) with lots of smaller shoots off the side. Di Ciccio can be sown in both the autumn or spring and prefers a position of full sun.
This variety can be sown in cold to sub-tropical climates.
Check out our page on Broccoli Romanesco here.
Growth
Broccoli Di Ciccio can grow to approximately 90 cm’s in height. They prefer a composted soil with good drainage in a position of full sun. Seeds are often sown in bunches once the frost has passed or after the hot sun of summer. Broccoli seedlings are a favourite for a range of pests in the garden and planned protection is necessary to avoid heavy losses. Fertiliser containing nitrogen and phosphorous can be applied once seedlings have become established.
Broccoli is a high source of many vitamins and minerals and has numerous health benefits.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
7 to 27°C / 45 to 80°F can withstand light frosts and hot temperatures for short periods.
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be loose and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 90 cm’s (3 feet) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm’s (12 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind. Bees required to produce seed.
MATURITY:
Average 80-90 days
GERMINATION RATES:
91%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 10-23°C / 50-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 250
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT BRASSICA OLERACEA (Broccoli)
The word broccoli comes from the Italian plural term broccolo which means the flowering crest of cabbage.
China and India account for around 73% of the world’s annual production of Broccoli.
Broccoli is a high source of Vitamins C and K and is closely related to Cabbage, Kale, and Cauliflower.
Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, was a fan of broccoli, importing the seeds from Italy to plant the vegetable there as early as 1767.
California produces almost all the broccoli sold in the United States.
Broccoli is the best nutritional food for pregnant women due to folic acid and vitamin C which are helpful in cellular division which causes natural growth of foetus.
Calabrese is the most common variety of Broccoli.
