Romanesco Broccoli

The best looking cauliflower around! I love to grow this because it’s super pretty to look at, unbelievable shape and tastes fab too.

Sow any time of year. Jan-Feb under glass, Mar-May outside, Sep-Oct in cold frames to overwinter. Prepare the soil in autumn. Dig over remove any stones, add some well rotted organic matter and firm. Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before you wish to plant out. Sow 12mm deep in rows 15cm apart or into modules. Germination takes 7-14 days at 15-18°C. When seedlings are 8cm they are ready to plant out. Water the day before moving and keep watered until established. Space plants at 45cm in rows 60-90cm apart. Do not overcrowd. When planting out add some root stimulator and a teaspoon of bonemeal to encourage strong growth. Mulch each plant. Feed every 2-3 weeks with a nitrogen rich fertiliser. Keep soil moist. Harvest when the flower shoots are firm and well formed. Cut close to ground level with a sharp knife. Use immediately or blanch and freeze