Romanesco: The Fractal Vegetable

Okay, buckle up, garden gurus, because we're diving into the wonderfully weird world of romanesco!

TL;DR: Romanesco Growing Guide

Want to grow the coolest looking vegetable in your garden? Sow romanesco seeds indoors in April, or directly outside in May. Transplant seedlings to their final positions in June. Get ready to harvest these beauties from late September through October. They need space, sun, and a little TLC, but trust us, it's worth it for those fractal heads!

What IS Romanesco Anyway?

First things first, let's talk about what exactly romanesco is. Often called 'Italian cauliflower' or 'romanesco broccoli', it's actually a brassica (think cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli) that's taken a detour on the beauty train! Instead of the usual dome-shaped head, romanesco sports a lime-green, spiralled masterpiece. Each little floret is a tiny replica of the whole head, a real-life example of fractal geometry in your garden! Not only is it a showstopper in the veg patch, it's also got a mild, nutty flavour making it delicious in the kitchen.

Growing Romanesco: The Step-by-Step

So, how do you get your hands on these edible works of art? Well, thankfully growing romanesco isn't as complicated as it looks! Here's the lowdown:

• Timing is Key: You can start seeds indoors in April for a head start, or sow them directly into the ground in May. If you’re sowing indoors, use individual 7cm pots and sow the seeds about 1cm deep.
• Planting Out: Once your seedlings are about 10cm tall, they're ready to go outside, usually in June. Make sure you give them plenty of space (about 60cm between plants) as they can get quite big!
• Sun and Soil: Romanesco loves a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. While they can tolerate a bit of shade, the more sun they get, the better your yield will be.
• Care & Attention: These guys aren’t too fussy. Water well during dry spells, and a bit of mulch around the base will help keep the soil moist. Give them an occasional feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer to keep them growing strong. And, keep an eye out for those pesky pigeons. Some netting will keep them at bay.
• Harvest Time: When the heads are firm and tightly packed, usually from late September to October, it's harvest time! Use a sharp knife to cut the head off, being careful not to damage the rest of the plant. Don't expect them to store well, so best to eat them fresh!

Pests and Problems

Like other members of the brassica family, romanesco can be susceptible to a few common garden pests, such as cabbage white butterflies, flea beetles and cabbage root fly. Keep a close eye on your plants, and take steps to prevent these where possible! Don't forget to remove any yellowing leaves as they appear too.

Romanesco Varieties

While there aren’t a huge number of different romanesco varieties out there, a popular one to try is ‘Romanesco Natalino’ which produces those beautiful lime green spiralled heads that we all love.

Why Grow Romanesco?

So why should you grow romanesco? Apart from the sheer joy of seeing these incredible fractal vegetables growing in your garden, they're also delicious and nutritious. They’re a great talking point and will certainly get people asking questions about your garden. So, give it a go – you might just find your new favourite fall vegetable! Happy growing!