Broccoli - Di Cicco

(Brassica oleracea) -  Certified Organic Seed - Grown at Greenpatch Organic Seeds

Di Cicco Broccoli is a compact Italian variety with a Blue-green main head getting to 10cm across. A good producer of side shoots after main head is harvested.  Harvest at approx. 60 days.

Pests may include slugs/snails and white cabbage butterfly caterpillars. Use Vege Net or Dipel for caterpillar control.

How to Grow

Broccoli is a fast growing annual that requires a full sun position with very fertile soil rich in organic matter. Growing a large broccoli plant will result in the biggest possible head harvest. Sow seeds into pots/punnets using a good quality seed raising mixture. Transplant seedlings to the garden when they are 5cm high and mulch thickly around the plant. We highly recommend covering all your Brassica's with Vege Netting when they are first transplanted to exclude the white cabbage moth. If the moth does lay it's eggs the best natural solution is the use of Dipel spray. Side dressings of fertiliser can be used if growth is slow. Plants will begin to form up a Broccoli head after 60-80 days. Once the main head has been harvested a number of side shoots will continue to grow providing the plant is healthy.

Sow all year except in hot weather

Sow direct into pots then transplant to garden at 5cm high

Seed packet contains 200 seeds

250 seeds/gram.

60-80 days to maturity

Uses

Leaves can be eaten when young in salads or lightly blanched. Main head is used in baking, stir frys, pies etc and side shoots which are very similar to Broccolini are typically used in stir frys lightly sauteed.