BROCCOLI-di CICCIO
$3.50
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Brassica oleracea
BROCCOLI-di CICCIO is an early variety of Broccoli producing tightly packed, small to medium-sized heads, which are blue-green in colour growing on strong short stems. They are best picked regularly to promote new shoots. This vegetable keeps its crisp texture & strong flavor when steamed or quickly wok fried. Broccoli wants well manured, friable, moist soil with extra lime. An Italian heirloom broccoli dates back to 1890. Compact 5-7.5 cm plant, 60 to 90cm in height, that produces a 10cm central head. After the central head is cut, many side shoots follow. Heads are spread out over a period of time making a long harvest season.
SKU: BRDC
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How to Grow Broccoli di Ciccio
- Choose a sunny position to grow your Broccoli. This plant can tolerate some shade.
- Plant the seeds in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Sow the seeds about 6 - 12mm (¼ to ½ inch) deep and 7.6 cm (3 inches) apart, in rows spaced 45 - 60 (18 to 24 inches) apart.
- Water the plants regularly to maintain moist soil. Too much waste will waterlog the soil. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
- Fertilise the plants with a balanced fertiliser, high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, every two to three weeks.
- Monitor the plants for pests and diseases. Treat aphids, caterpillars, and powdery mildew with insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests. Remove any infected leaves or plants to prevent the spread of disease.
- Harvest the main head of the broccoli before the flowers start to open and the head has reached full size. This will encourage the production of side shoots, which you can continue to harvest for several weeks. The baby leaves taste best when picked young and eaten like Kale.
Heritage of Broccoli di Ciccio
The heritage of Broccoli Di Ciccio dates back to Italy 1890 and had been grown in Italy for over a century. The plant produces small to medium-sized heads with a slightly bitter taste yet sweet and tender flavour. Removing the main head allows new side shoots to appear. Cut off the side shoots as needed when they are sweet and tender. It is a popular variety among home gardeners and small-scale farmers. Broccoli di Ciccio exhibits high productivity and adapts well to various growing conditions. Broccoli di Ciccio is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and calcium. It's sweet, tender flavor is highly sought after by chefs and home cooks alike. Broccoli di Ciccio can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, sautéing, steaming, and stir-frying. And it is great for freezing.| Plant Height | 60 - 90 cm (2 - 3 feet) |
|---|---|
| Season of Interest | Autumn / Winter |
| Temperature Range | 18 - 23°C (64 - 73°F) |
| Annual / Perennial / Biennial | Annual |
| Frost Hardy / Tender | Hardy |
| Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade | Full Sun |
| Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings | Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings |
| Seed Preparation | No special preparation required |
| Sowing Depth | 0.5 - 1 cm (0.2 - 0.4 inches) |
| Plant Spacing | 30 - 45 cm (12 - 18 inches) |
| Row Spacing | 30 - 45 cm (12 - 18 inches) |
| Watering | Consistent and regular watering, keeping the soil evenly moist |
| Good Companion Plants | Beets, Carrots, Chamomile, Dill, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Onions, Sage, Thyme |
| Bad Companion Plants | Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant), Strawberries, Grapes, Mustard plants, Cabbage family plants (kale, cabbage Brussels sprouts) |
| Pests | Aphids, Cabbage Worms, Cabbage Loopers, Flea Beetles, Diamondback Moths |
| Diseases | Clubroot, Downy mildew, White rust, Black leg, Alternaria leaf spot |
BROCCOLI-di CICCIO
$3.50
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When I started this journey in 2009, I found nothing existed commercially, that was reasonably priced and easy to use. There was a homemade system which I also found was not that user-friendly.
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