Romanesco Broccoli Seeds (Organic)

Romanesco Broccoli (Brassica oleracea, Botrytis group) is a dramatic heirloom that forms a large lime-green head of small spirals arranged in a natural Fibonacci pattern. Discovered in 16th-century Italy, it is prized for its delicate, nutty flavor and striking fractal form.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Brassica oleracea (Botrytis group)
• Type: Organic heirloom, annual
• Days to maturity: 75 to 100 days
• Sun: Partial sun to full sun
• Planting depth: 1/4 to 1/2 inch
• Spacing after thinning: 18 to 24 inches
• Height at maturity: Up to 3 feet
• Approx. seeds per pack: 100 (about 31,427 per 1/4 lb bulk)

Best for

• Roasting and steaming
• Fresh, raw florets in salads
• Purees and creamy soups
• Showpiece additions to the vegetable garden
• Vitamin C and K rich harvests

How to grow

Start seeds indoors so plants are no more than 5 weeks old at transplant, sowing 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep at a soil temperature of 70 to 85°F, with germination in 7 to 14 days. Sow or set out when soil is at least 60°F into nearly neutral, organic-rich soil, spacing plants 18 to 24 inches apart. Water moderately and evenly, side dress with compost mid-season, and cut heads when fully developed; plants will not re-sprout.

Flavor profile

Mildly sweet and nutty, more delicate than standard broccoli, with a pleasant earthy taste.

About Grow Organic

Grow Organic, the online home of Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, has served organic gardeners and small-scale farmers with seeds, tools, and soil amendments from Grass Valley, California since 1976.