Cauliflower - Romanesco Natalino This variety produces unusual spiral florets with a crisp texture and distinctive, slightly nutty flavour. Grow for baby heads to eat whole or as full size. It is also sometimes referred to as Broccoli. Sow outdoors thinly, from April to July, in a seed bed, 1.5cm deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-cultivated, fertile soil, which has already been watered. Seedlings usually appear in 14-28 days. Water well until plants are established. Transplant 45cm apart, when plants are about 10cm tall. Allow 60cm between rows. For 'baby' heads, grow in blocks with 30cm between plants. These can be sown in succession. Plant firmly and water well. Or sow indoors, from April to May, 0.5cm deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Keep moist. Transplant 5cm apart to other trays, when large enough to handle. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions, avoiding frosts before planting out, from May to June, into well-cultivated, fertile soil. Harvest from July to December.
