Broccoli : Romanesco Italia

Prized by gourmet chefs, this Italian heirloom bursts with flavor

The true and popular Italian heirloom with fractal-like spiraling, apple-green heads that are so superbly flavored. This variety is widely grown in northern Italy. A must with many of the finest chefs. Grows exceptionally well in cool northern areas. This is not only tasty but also highly nutritious. Romans have been growing Romanesco since the 15th century. Romanesco has a cauliflower texture and a subtle broccoli flavor. Broccoli Romanesco grows best in temperate climates over the cooler months.

Brassicaceae Brassica

This is an example of the timeline you would see based on your growing conditions.

Broccoli: Romanesco

Romanesco Italia

Romanesco Cauliflower (also known as Romanesco Broccoli or Roman Cauliflower) has a distinctive fractal appearance of its heads, and is yellow-green in color.

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Basics

Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: 120 (Spring/Summer), 70-120 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit: -
Hardiness: Half Hardy

Romanesco isn't as hardy as cabbage, though it can be frost tolerant in temperatures as low as 20 degrees F.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall Transplant, Fall
Growing Season: Long
Cultivar Type: -
Growing Conditions: Cool

Unlike other varieties of broccoli, Romanesco requires a partially shaded spot and slightly alkaline soil.

The large plants take up quite a bit of space, but this usually isn't an issue in cooler weather, as the garden is often half empty anyway.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 40°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F

Romanesco isn't as hardy as most other Brassicas and seedlings shouldn't go outside until the soil is at least 60°F.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool)

Broccoli prefers full sun when growing in cool weather.

Part shade (Cool, Warm)

In warm weather it will grow in light shade.
Water: Moderate

Broccoli transpires quite a lot of water and for optimal growth the soil should be moist at all times. This isn't usually a problem because it grows in fairly cool weather.
Feeder: Heavy

Like most members of the cabbage family, Broccoli is a hungry plant and needs plenty of nutrients for good growth. It doesn't like acid soil.
Suitability: Tolerates light frost, Partial shade, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes

For one broccoli plant, you'll need a pot that is at least 10" deep and 12" wide, but the deeper the better. Fill with a mixture of potting soil and compost and keep the soil moist but not overly wet. If you are using a larger container, be sure to space your broccoli plants at least 18 to 24" apart. Although broccoli is a cool weather plant, it loves sunshine so be sure to place the container in an area with access to at least 3 hours of full sun a day.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Color: Bright Green
Fruit Size: 6.0 - 8.0"
Plant Height: 18.0 - 24.0"
Plant Diameter: 18.0 - 20.0"
Hardiness Zone: 3-10
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile: Delicate, delectable flavor.
Rotation Group: Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens

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Plant Guide

Broccoli : Romanesco Italia

Prized by gourmet chefs, this Italian heirloom bursts with flavor

Romanesco Italia

Basics