Description
50 Seeds per pack
(Brassica oleracea) Romanesco Broccoli (A.K.A. Romanesco Cauliflower, Romanesque Broccoli, or Romanesque Cauliflower)
Days to Maturity: 74 days from transplant.
Romanesco Broccoli, a.k.a Romanesco Cauliflower, an ancient Italian heirloom, is a true masterpiece of nature, boasting stunning spiraled florets and radiant lime-green in color. First cultivated in the 16th century, this long-standing variety was first released for sale in the United States by the Peter Henderson & Company in the late 19th century, where it quickly gained recognition for its striking appearance and delicious taste—a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.
The flavor is mild and nutty with a touch of sweetness, striking a perfect balance between broccoli and cauliflower. Its delicate crunch and tender texture make it equally delightful roasted, steamed, or enjoyed raw in salads and crudité platters.
Heads grow to 6–8 inches across, forming a mesmerizing pattern of spiraled florets that resemble intricate fractals. This unique appearance adds a touch of elegance to garden beds and a dramatic flair to any meal presentation.
Romanesco grows best in cool climates, producing vigorous plants that reach about 2 feet tall. Its upright growth habit makes it easy to harvest, while its reliable productivity ensures a steady supply of these eye-catching heads throughout the season.
This versatile vegetable is perfect for roasting to enhance its natural sweetness, steaming to preserve its crunch, or blending into soups and purees for a creamy, nutty base. It’s also a striking centerpiece when served whole, showcasing its unique design. Romanesco can be lightly pickled for a tangy, crunchy addition to charcuterie boards or fermented into kimchi-style dishes for a probiotic-packed twist. Makes a super unique addition to any veggie tray. Add it to stir-fries or bake it into gratins for a hearty, comforting dish. Its distinctive florets also make a fun and nutritious addition to homemade vegetable chips.
Known for its excellent storage life, Romanesco stays fresh and crisp for weeks, making it a great choice for extending your harvest into the colder months. For even longer preservation, it freezes exceptionally well—just blanch the florets briefly before freezing to lock in their vibrant color and texture. Dehydrating Romanesco florets is another option, turning them into lightweight, shelf-stable snacks or soup ingredients for camping and emergency storage.
Disease Resistance: Naturally resistant to clubroot and common brassica pests.
Planting Instructions for Romanesco Broccoli Seeds
Heirloom / Open Pollinated Broccoli lacks tolerance to extreme heat. Direct seed Broccoli in the spring or start indoors 4-6 wks before the last frost. Plant seeds ½” deep in full sun, 4-6″ apart, in rows 18-36″ apart, when outdoor temperatures have reached 50°F. Germination usually occurs in 5-17 days in soil 55-75°F. Heirloom Broccoli plants should be thinned to 12-24″. Harvest center head before flower buds open, then harvest side shoots frequently for continuous production.
FAQ:
What is the historical or notable background of Romanesco Broccoli?
Romanesco Broccoli, also known as Romanesco Cauliflower, is an ancient Italian heirloom first cultivated in the 16th century. It is celebrated for its stunning spiraled florets and radiant lime-green color, making it a favorite among gardeners and chefs for centuries.
How would you describe the flavor profile of Romanesco Broccoli?
Romanesco Broccoli offers a mild, nutty flavor with a touch of sweetness, balancing the taste characteristics of broccoli and cauliflower. Its tender texture and delicate crunch make it a versatile and appealing choice in various dishes.
What does Romanesco Broccoli look like?
Romanesco Broccoli grows into mesmerizing 6–8-inch-wide heads, featuring spiraled florets that resemble intricate fractals. Its lime-green color and geometric patterns add elegance to garden beds and visual appeal to meals.
What are the growth habits and garden appeal of Romanesco Broccoli?
This variety thrives in cool climates, with vigorous plants reaching about 2 feet tall. Its upright growth habit facilitates easy harvesting, while its striking appearance and reliable productivity make it a standout addition to any garden.
What climate conditions are ideal for growing Romanesco Broccoli?
Romanesco Broccoli prefers cool climates and grows best in temperatures that promote healthy brassica development, such as early spring or fall. It thrives in full sun with well-draining, fertile soil.
What are the common culinary uses for Romanesco Broccoli?
Romanesco is highly versatile, delicious roasted, steamed, or raw. It works well in soups, purees, and gratins, or as a striking centerpiece when served whole. It can also be pickled, fermented, or used in stir-fries, veggie chips, or crudité platters.
How should Romanesco Broccoli be stored and practically used?
Romanesco has an excellent storage life, staying fresh and crisp for weeks. For longer preservation, it can be blanched and frozen or dehydrated into lightweight, shelf-stable snacks or soup ingredients.
What vitamins or nutrients does Romanesco Broccoli contain?
Romanesco is rich in vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. It offers health benefits such as supporting immune function, bone health, and digestion while providing a nutrient-dense addition to meals.
Does Romanesco Broccoli have any notable disease resistance?
Romanesco is naturally resistant to clubroot and common brassica pests, making it a resilient and reliable choice for gardeners.
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