75-100 Days to maturity. Brassica oleracea. Romanesco Broccoli Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, heirloom. The spiky heads of Romanesco Broccoli grow in an unusual fractal formation. Its Fibonacci-looking spirals create beautiful patterns that make this vegetable as attractive as it is tasty. This Italian heirloom produces 5-6 inch heads with a mild, nutty flavor similar to cauliflower. Romanesco Broccoli will complement both cooked and fresh dishes. A very unique, delicious, and stunning vegetable widely grown in northern Italy. ~9,000 seeds/oz. Broccoli Seed Availability Notice: Due to ongoing broccoli seed supply constraints, online purchases are currently limited to quantities of 5 lb or less. If you need a larger size or quantity, additional inventory may be available. Please contact us at [email protected] or 801-491-8700 to discuss available options. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Download Free Herb Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Brassica oleracea Hardiness Zone: Annual 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Days to Maturity: 75-100 Days to Germination: 10-21 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: Yes Start Indoors: Yes, about 8 weeks before transplanting. Plant Spacing: 12-24 inches Plant Height: 24-36 inches Plant Width: 12 inches Growth Habit: Upright Temperature Preference: Thrives in cool weather. Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Bacterial leaf spot, damping off, Downy mildew, powdery mildew, root rot, aphids, cabbage looper, flea beetles, leafminers, slugs. Romanesco Broccoli Color: Lime green Romanesco Broccoli Flavor: Nutty; Earthy; Less Bitter than Traditional Broccoli; Firm and Crunchy Texture Climate Tolerance: Cold 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.