Brassica oleracea var. italica 'De Cicco' (Broccoli)

De Cicco is the heirloom broccoli that keeps on giving. An Italian variety with roots going back to 1890, it is beloved not for producing one massive central head but for the generous flush of tender side shoots it puts out after the initial head is harvested. That first central head runs 3 to 4 inches across, compact and deeply blue-green. Once you cut it, the plant redirects all its energy into a sustained wave of small, sweet side shoots that can be harvested again and again over several weeks.

The flavor is notably mild and sweet with a pleasant nutty character, tender florets and thick, succulent stems. Many growers consider it the best-tasting broccoli in the heirloom catalog. It is productive, reliable, and well adapted to the cool maritime climate of the Oregon coast.

De Cicco is a wonderful choice for succession planting and kitchen gardens oriented around fresh, frequent harvests rather than bulk storage. Grow it as a spring crop or a fall planting for best results.