Romanesco
Lime-green spiral heads with a nutty flavour; a striking cool-season brassica.
Romanesco seeds
£2.49 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
March–May in modules
Plant out
Keep water steady as heads form and protect plants from cabbage whites.
Harvest
August–November
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6-8 hours a day
Water
Crucial and consistent moisture, never allow to dry out, especially as curds form.
Soil
Deep, fertile, well-drained, pH 6.5–7.5
Spacing
60-75cm between plants, they need space
Containers
Not recommended due to large size and specific requirements.
Indoors
Start indoors for best establishment and earlier harvests.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Very heavy feeders. Enrich soil with compost and well-rotted manure. Feed with a balanced liquid feed every 2-3 weeks once established.
Pruning
When curds start to form, 'blanch' them by bending over or tying outer leaves to protect from sun and keep them white.
Harvesting
Keep water steady as heads form and protect plants from cabbage whites.
Storage
Store in the fridge for up to a week. Can be blanched and frozen.
Good companions: Marigolds, Mint, Rosemary, Nasturtiums, Onions