Description
Broccoli is such a rewarding vegetable to grow. B
Best planted in the cooler spring or autumn months – they produce bigger and tastier heads when exposed to cooler temperatures.
Sow directly or start in seed trays to give yourself a head start for an earlier plant-out in spring. Broccoli is a heavy feeder, so be sure to prepare your soil well, with lots of compost and organic matter.
Broccoli is best harvested when the heads are firm and tight, before they begin to loosen up. Once they begin to loosen, they tend to open and flower quite quickly, rendering them inedible. Most varieties will produce a larger, central head that is usually followed by smaller side florets, giving you an extended harvest over a number of weeks.
Brassica oleracea
An heirloom variety first grown in Italy in the 1890’s, De Cicco is an early harvesting broccoli variety that has a 7-10cm sized central head. It is preferred to harvest the main head while it is still tight – once this head is picked, make sure you water the plant well as it can produce a number of smaller heads on the sides of the plant. De Cicco is sweet tasting, and is a preferred variety for Italian dishes.
This variety stores very well.
Standard packet contains approx. 200 seeds
