DE CICCIO Broccoli Seed
Best heirloom choice for gardeners wanting a long, reliable broccoli harvest.
Discover the exceptional flavor of De Ciccio Broccoli, an Italian heirloom variety from 1890. This open-pollinated seed produces robust plants yielding substantial, blue-green central heads, 3–4 inches wide. Its natural staggered maturity and prolific side-shoot production ensure an extended harvest, providing fresh broccoli over a longer period. De Ciccio thrives in cooler seasons, making it a hardy and rewarding choice for gardeners seeking traditional taste and reliable yields. It's an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, with calcium that's easily absorbed by the body.
$6.65
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-37%
Below average
Days to Maturity
6070
/ - days (from transplanting)
Who it's for
- Home cooks wanting a continuous supply of fresh broccoli
- Sustainable gardeners interested in saving their own seeds
- Cool-climate growers needing a fast-maturing spring or fall crop
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in regions with unpredictable or intense heat spikes
- Beginners unprepared for active pest management and monitoring
- Market growers prioritizing large, impressive central heads
Performance breakdown
Harvest Duration
Prolific side-shoot production keeps the kitchen supplied for weeks.
Flavor Profile
Classic Italian heirloom taste that outperforms modern commercial varieties.
Climate Resilience
Hardy genetics allow this variety to withstand temperatures down to 10°F.
Germination Reliability
Consistent 80% minimum germination rate ensures a predictable garden start.
Ease of Cultivation
Straightforward planting requirements make this ideal for gardeners of all levels.
Yield Density
Produces substantial central heads alongside a steady stream of side shoots.
Key Specs
Days to Maturity
60-70 days (from transplanting)
Head Size
3–4 inch wide
Soil Temp for Germination
55–75°F
Seed Depth
¼"
Thin Plants to
12–24"
Minimum Germination
80%
Seed Life
3 years
pH Requirement
6.0-7.0
Features
- Finest tasting broccoli variety
- Extended harvest with side shoots
- Produces heavy central heads
- Italian heirloom from 1890
- Hardy to 10°F
- Open Pollinated (OP)
What customers say
Customers highly value DE CICCIO Broccoli Seed for its exceptional reliability and superior flavor. The germination rate is consistently outstanding, building immediate confidence in the seed stock. Gardeners especially appreciate the sweet, nutty taste of this heirloom variety, noting it surpasses many store bought options. A key driver of satisfaction is the plant's prolific production of side shoots long after the main head is harvested. This extended yield offers excellent value and a continuous supply throughout the season. The consensus confirms these seeds are a top choice for home gardeners seeking flavorful produce and dependable vigor.
Know before you buy
De Ciccio is an Italian heirloom variety known for its exceptional, traditional flavor. Unlike many modern hybrids that produce one large head, this variety is prized for its staggered maturity and prolific side-shoot production, which provides a much longer harvest window.
You can expect to harvest your broccoli 60 to 70 days after transplanting. Because it produces side shoots, you will be able to continue harvesting well after the main central head is cut.
Yes, De Ciccio is a hardy variety that thrives in cooler seasons and can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F. It is best suited for spring planting when soil temperatures are between 55°F and 75°F.
To ensure healthy development and proper airflow, you should thin your plants to 12–24 inches apart. This spacing allows the plants enough room to produce their 3–4 inch wide central heads.
These seeds have a viable life of approximately 3 years when stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark location to maintain the minimum 80% germination rate.
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$7