Broccoli

Broccoli 'De Cicco', an Italian heirloom sprouting type grown for its small central heads and long run of side shoots, is planted as a fall crop in Decatur's Zone 8a, transplanted in September for a harvest that runs from late fall into winter.

1. 1

   Sowing

   Late July to early August, 4-6 weeks before your September transplant date

   You'll see Seeds are round and pea-sized, dark brown to black, and show nothing above ground for 5-10 days.

   Do Start seed in cell trays under lights or in a shaded spot, keeping soil surface damp until sprouting.

   Details
2. 2

   Seedling

   Days 5-28 after sowing

   You'll see A pair of rounded seed leaves appears first, followed within a week by ruffled, blue-green true leaves with the beginnings of De Cicco's characteristic wavy edge.

   Do Keep seedlings in bright light to prevent legginess, and pot up if roots fill the cell before your transplant date.

   Details
3. 3

   Transplant

   4-6 weeks after starting indoors, in September, when seedlings have 4-6 true leaves

   You'll see Transplant-ready seedlings are stocky, 3-5 inches tall, with a compact root ball that holds together when lifted.

   Do Harden off over 5-7 days, then set plants an inch deeper than they sat in the tray, spaced 18-24 inches apart in beds or grow bags.

   Details
4. 4

   Harvesting the central head, then side shoots

   First small central head at 48-65 days after transplant, side shoots continuing for another 4-6 weeks

   You'll see The central head is small, only 3-4 inches across, tight and green with no yellow petals showing; side shoots that follow are smaller, 2-3 inch spears.

   Do Cut the central head with a few inches of stem while buds are still tight, then keep harvesting side shoots as they reach 2-3 inches.

   Details
5. 5

   Bolting to flower

   Once temperatures push into the 80s°F, or naturally after weeks of continuous side-shoot harvest

   You'll see Remaining heads and side shoots open into small yellow four-petaled flowers atop lengthening stems.

   Do Harvest any tight heads before they open; once flowering starts, pull the plant or leave a shoot for pollinators and seed.

   Details
6. 6

   Seed saving

   6-10 weeks after flowering, once pods dry from green to brown

   You'll see Flower clusters turn from yellow blooms to slim, brown, brittle pods that rattle with seed when dry.

   Do Cut whole seed stalks into a paper bag once pods are dry and brittle, then crush and winnow to separate seed from chaff.

   Details

Techniques — transplant, prune, propagate, divide, seed