Romanesco broccoli is a fascinating and delicious vegetable to grow in your garden. Also known as Romanesco cauliflower or Broccolo Romanesco, this lime-green fractal-patterned brassica is a visual stunner and offers a nutty, sweet flavor. Growing your own Romanesco broccoli is deeply rewarding and sure to add beauty and great taste to your garden.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully grow Romanesco broccoli from seed to harvest
Romanesco broccoli belongs to the cole crop family along with regular broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and other brassicas. Its eye-catching heads resemble spiraling cones made up of pointed vibrant chartreuse florets arranged in a natural approximate fractal pattern.
Unlike regular broccoli, Romanesco offers a sweeter, nuttier taste and tender crunchy texture. It can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked by roasting, steaming, sautéing and more
In addition to its visual appeal and great flavor, Romanesco broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, contains glucoraphanin which supports healthy cell function, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
Choosing the Right Romanesco Broccoli Seeds
The first step is selecting the right Romanesco broccoli seeds. Look for seeds labeled as “Romanesco broccoli” or “Romanesco cauliflower” from reputable suppliers. Consider your growing zone and conditions to decide whether to start seeds indoors or direct sow into your garden. Quality seeds will produce healthy seedlings and maximize your harvest.
Getting a Head Start Indoors
You can get a head start on the growing season by starting Romanesco broccoli seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Use small pots or trays with seed starting mix, sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep, and keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering. Provide ample sunlight or grow lights. Gradually harden off seedlings for 7-14 days before transplanting them into the garden.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Romanesco thrives in full sun and nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Several weeks before planting, work aged manure or compost into your garden bed to improve fertility and texture. The ideal pH range is 6.0-7.0. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature growth.
Transplanting Romanesco Broccoli Seedlings
Gently transplant hardened off seedlings into your prepared garden after all danger of frost when the soil has warmed up. First, dig holes slightly wider and deeper than each root ball. Carefully remove seedlings from containers without disturbing roots before placing them in holes. Water thoroughly after transplanting to help establish plants.
Caring for Your Romanesco Broccoli Crop
Consistent care is key for optimal growth and productivity. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, applying 1-2 inches per week. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer. Monitor for pests like aphids and cabbage worms and take control measures as needed. Weed regularly to reduce competition for water and nutrients.
Harvesting Perfect Romanesco Broccoli
Plan to harvest Romanesco broccoli heads once they reach full maturity, around 70-80 days after transplanting. Look for firm, tightly packed lime green heads. Use a sharp knife to cut the head just below the base when the tiny florets are still closed tightly. Store freshly harvested heads in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
Enjoying Your Romanesco Bounty
The fun doesn’t stop after harvesting your Romanesco broccoli! This versatile veggie brings great flavor and texture to a diverse range of dishes. Try roasting, steaming, sautéing, or adding it to salads, soups, pastas and more. Its mildly sweet nutty taste pairs well with lemon, garlic, Parmesan and herbs.
Key Tips for Success with Romanesco Broccoli
Follow these tips to grow a thriving, bountiful Romanesco broccoli harvest:
- Start seeds or transplant seedlings after danger of frost
- Choose compost-enriched, well-draining soil in full sun
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart
- Water deeply and regularly to maintain even moisture
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer
- Monitor for pests like aphids and cabbage worms
- Harvest mature heads when florets are tightly packed
With proper care throughout the growing season, you’ll be rewarded with a bounty of stunningly beautiful and delicious Romanesco broccoli. Growing this unique brassica is an adventure for both the eyes and tastebuds.
Where to grow romanesco[image id=”46325″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”Planting out romanesco” alt=”Planting out romanesco” classes=””] Planting young romanesco plants
Like other brassicas, romanesco thrives in a fairly heavy, alkaline soil – if your soil is acidic, add lime. Choose a sheltered sunny spot in soil that has been prepared in advance by digging in well rotted farmyard manure. Tread the soil down to firm it in. Plant young romanesco plants deeply, and very firmly, to give each plant stability and protect against rocking on windy days. Water well after planting.
Caring for romanesco[image id=”46323″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”Gardening with a clear conscience – mulching romanesco with crushed oyster shells” alt=”Gardening with a clear conscience – mulching romanesco with crushed oyster shells” classes=””] Mulching romanesco with crushed oyster shells
Water plants regularly, particularly in dry weather. Feed with a high nitrogen fertiliser when plants are established and growing well. This will boost growth and help the formation of the intricate green heads.
Romanesco heads are ready to harvest in the Autumn, from September onwards. You can wait until you have larger flower heads, or harvest smaller flowerheads, as with sprouting broccoli, and get a second crop.
Growing and Harvesting Romanesco: A Delicious and Beautiful Veggie
FAQ
How long does Romanesco broccoli take to grow?
Romanesco is a cool-season crop that matures in just 75 to 100 days from germination. It’s suited to Zones 3 through 10, but if you live in Zones 8 through 10, it’ll grow best as a fall crop with a winter harvest.
Is Romanesco hard to grow?
- Romanesco thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly alkaline pH (around 6.0 – 7.5).
- It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
What zone does Romanesco broccoli grow in?
Leave a large space for growing romanesco broccoli, as it is not only wide but needs plenty of nutrients to grow the huge heads. The plant is hardy in USDA growing zones 3 to 10 and can grow well into fall in temperate areas.
Is Romanesco broccoli a perennial?
Romanesco broccoli is treated as an annual plant in the garden or in containers. Overwintering should not be attempted.