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Growing Romanesco Broccoli in the Vegetable/Herb Garden
Broccoli may be directly sown or started indoors for fall and spring crops.
Sowing Seed Indoors: Start seeds about 8 weeks before planting outside. Plant 0.25 inch deep in seed-starting mix, keep moist, and maintain 70 F. Seedlings sprout in 10–21 days. Once seedlings appear, give plenty of light. Place on a sunny windowsill or 3–4 inches below fluorescent grow lights for 16 hours daily. Adjust lights as plants grow. Avoid incandescent bulbs, which produce too much heat. Seedlings need little fertilizer. At 3–4 weeks, feed with a half-strength starter solution. If growing in small cells, transplant to 3–4 inch pots once plants have three sets of leaves to allow stronger roots. Before moving outdoors, “harden off” seedlings by placing them in a sheltered spot for about a week. Protect from strong sun and wind, bring in or cover if frost threatens. This strengthens plants and reduces transplant shock.
Sowing Directly in the Garden: In early spring or midsummer, sow in sunny soil. Plant in rows 2 feet apart, cover with 0.25 inch soil, and water gently. Seedlings emerge in 10–21 days. Thin to 16 inches apart once 1–2 inches tall. Protect young plants with floating row covers. Keep weeds down by cultivation or mulch, but avoid disturbing roots. Water consistently during dry spells, and check regularly for pests or disease.
Harvesting Romanesco Broccoli
Harvest broccoli when the heads are firm and the buds are tight, usually 50–60 days after transplanting. Cut the central head along with about 6 inches of stem to encourage the plant to produce smaller side heads, which can be harvested later.
Broccoli can be frozen for later use. To freeze, cut the florets and blanch them by boiling for 2 minutes. Then, immediately transfer them to cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and store in freezer-safe bags or vacuum-sealed bags. Broccoli can be enjoyed raw or cooked.
About Romanesco Broccoli Seeds
Widely grown in northern Italy, Romanesco Broccoli is grown as a flower or head vegetable. Highly ornamental as well as edible, the cauliflower-type plant produces bright green heads with a nutty flavor that can be eaten raw or cooked. Broccoli is considered a superfood for its nutrient-rich content, having a high (top 20) Aggregate Nutrient Density Index score (ANDI), or micronutrient-per-calorie density. It is high in fiber and vitamins C and K, and is an excellent source of calcium and iron, containing antioxidants.
An herbaceous biennial, typically grown as an annual, Romanesco Broccoli is a member of the cabbage and mustard family (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae), commonly referred to as crucifers, brassicas, or cole crops.
Broccoli is easy to grow from seed, growing best in locations with full sun and organically rich, consistently moist, well-draining loams having a slightly acid pH of 6 to 7. Broccoli benefits from a fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nutrients, preferably 10-10-10, in the early stages of growth.
- Francisco Rivera, True Leaf Market Writer
Romanesco Broccoli Seeds Per Package:
- 250 mg Packet - Wholesale - Approximately 75 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 9,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 36,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 144,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Romanesco Broccoli seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
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