Decicco is a classic European broccoli variety that produces compact plants with bluish-green central heads and abundant medium-sized side shoots. Its staggered maturity provides an extended harvest, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking consistent yields. This variety offers superb flavor and freezes well for later use.
Broccoli Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow broccoli seeds outdoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date in spring. For a fall harvest, sow seeds in late summer or early fall, about 85â€"100 days before the first expected frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining, fertile soil. Broccoli thrives in cool temperatures and can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Broccoli prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in rows.
- Space rows 18-24 inches apart for adequate airflow and easy access.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they are about 2-3 inches tall to give each plant room to grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start broccoli seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep, placing 1-2 seeds per cell or pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65-75°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-10 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F and plants have 4-5 true leaves. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Broccoli
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth, but broccoli can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
- Fertilizing: Broccoli is a heavy feeder. Enrich the soil with compost before planting and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Be careful not to disturb the shallow roots when weeding.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Use row covers to protect young plants, and remove pests manually or use organic insecticides as needed.
- Harvesting: Harvest broccoli when the main head is firm and compact, before the flower buds open. Cut the central head with 6-8 inches of stem attached. After harvesting, the plant will produce smaller side shoots for an extended harvest.
- Succession Planting: To ensure a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
