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Romanesco broccoli

Brassica oleracea Botrytis group

INTRODUCTION

Romanesco broccoli, also known as Romanesque Cauliflower or more usually referred to simply as Romanesco, originated in Italy during the 16th century.

It is characterised by its bizarre appearance and unusual colouration and has a similar growing requirement to traditional Cauliflower but has a more subtle taste.

It has a limited harvesting period restricted to late summer and autumn but if you enjoy trying something a little different, this garden vegetable is well worth trying.

Soil Preparation

Romanesco broccoli prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. The growing area should be sunny and the soil should be well consolidated.

The addition of garden lime may be required to maintain a soil pH of around 6.5. Do not grow in a freshly manured site as this addition of excess nitrogen can cause excessive foliage growth. Manure ground well in advance of planting.

Sowing & Planting

Romanesco can be sown directly into a seedbed for later transplanting but a better method of raising plants is to sow into modules or seed trays.

Sow summer harvesting varieties from late February until April, autumn varieties from March until May, into your chosen container and cover to a depth of approx. 0.5cm.

Keep at a temperature of between 5c and 15c. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transfer into a larger container. A 9cm pot is ideal.

Planting out should be from April onwards for summer harvesting and during June and July for autumn harvesting varieties, at a spacing of 60cm/24inches between plants and between rows.

Closer spacing is possible but will result in smaller heads (kurds).

Ensure plants are deep enough and well firmed in, they dislike loose soil.

Do not allow sowing temperatures to rise above 25oc, Brassica seed can go into dormancy at high temperatures.

Growing & General Cultivation

After planting, water well. Romanesco, like other Cauliflower types, will require regular watering to maintain growth, especially during drought conditions. Protect establishing plants with netting to guard against attack from pigeons.

Keep growing crops weed-free. Feed once or twice during the growing season and mulch plants if possible.

During very hot weather, bend foliage over the growing heads or kurds, as they can discolour in extreme heat.

Try and avoid growing Romanesco or any other Brassica plant type on the same ground the following year. Crop rotation is an important factor in helping to protect against disease.

Pests & Diseases

Romanesco broccoli tends to suffer from all common pests and diseases associated with other Brassicas.

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for young plants - for remedies - see product directory.

Other pests can include Caterpillars (cabbage white). Eggs will appear on the underside of leaves during summer and can be removed by hand. Caterpillars will devastate crops within days if left uncontrolled. Chemical control is available - see product directory.

Cabbage Whitefly (not to be confused with greenhouse whitefly) can be unsightly but shouldn't affect cropping potential.

Cabbage Root Fly can be a serious problem. The larvae, resulting from eggs laid at the base of stems, will eat roots causing the plant to wilt and die. Fitting felt collars around each plant stem will prevent eggs from being laid.

Diseases can include, Downy mildew which shows as yellow patches on foliage and affected leaves should be removed. To prevent, ensure good air circulation and low humidity.

Powdery Mildew is a white powdery deposit that can cover stems and foliage. It is usually associated with dry weather and to prevent, avoid plants from drying out. Remove affected foliage as needed or in severe outbreaks, use a suitable fungicide - see product directory

Clubroot, a soil-borne fungal disease, affects Cauliflower types which cause swelling and distortion of roots. It results in poor plant growth and subsequent loss of harvest. Avoid using ground previously used for brassica crops and ensure correct soil pH (6.5). Add garden lime as required.

Harvesting

By using a range of varieties and with successional sowings, Romanesco can be harvested for several months.

Summer varieties will be ready to crop from late August onwards, autumn varieties from October until December.

Cut heads with a sharp knife as soon as the head has fully developed. Remove outer leaves.

Be warned, individual Romanesco varieties can mature all at the same time and in warm weather can 'go over' very quickly. A simple solution to having a glut is to sow/plant little and often.