Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
Days to Maturity: 48 days
Family: Brassicaceae
Native: Europe
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annual
Plant Dimensions: 24"–36" tall
Variety Information: 3"–4" bluish-green central head, followed by lots of smaller florets. Leaves are dark green. 'Di Cicco' is a popular, reliable European heirloom introduced in 1890. Produces over a long period of time.
When to Sow Outside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, or when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 60°"–85°F. Also in late summer for fall harvest. Mild Climates: Best sown in fall or winter for cool–season harvest.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside after your average last frost date, or 12 weeks before your average first fall frost date. In mild climates, sow in fall for harvest in late winter and early spring. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–85°F, cooler (60°F) growing temperatures thereafter.
Days to Emerge: 7–14 days
Seed Depth: ⅛"
Seed Spacing: A group of 6 seeds every 18"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 18"
Harvesting: Before florets open, when the head is 3" in diameter, cut the stem below the head, leaving branching leaves. This will encourage large numbers of side florets.
