Romanesco Broccoli - Ferme de Sainte Marthe Seeds

Romanesco broccoli is a remarkable Italian vegetable, similar to cauliflower in taste and texture. It forms beautiful whorled, apple green heads that are very ornamental and have a subtle, delicate nutty flavour. It is sown from May to June and harvested from August to December.

Romanesco broccoli, also known as Roman cauliflower, belongs to the large Brassicaceae family (ex-Cole family). This biennial plant is grown as an annual for its edible flower heads that are harvested just before they start to bloom. It is native to Italy where it has been grown since the 16^th century. Romanesco Broccoli has a delicate, nutty taste. It is delicious lightly steamed and added to gratins, quiches, purées or stews. It also goes very well with curry. From a nutritional point of view, it is very healthy: it is low in calories but very rich in vitamins, fibre and minerals.

Romanesco Broccoli is an easy vegetable to grow as long as you meet its basic requirements: deep, rich soil, and regular watering. It enjoys plenty of sun and generally does well in cool and rainy climates.

Harvesting: To harvest Romanesco Broccoli, simply cut off the central flower head with a sharp knife when it feels suitably compact and heavy.

Storage: Fresh Romanesco broccoli does not keep very well. It is best to eat it quickly after harvesting, although it will keep for a few days in the refrigerator. It is also possible to freeze the florets, after having blanched them in boiling salty water for a few minutes.

Good to know: For the past few years, swede midges (Contarinia nasturtii) have been causing considerable damage to brassica plants. We recommend protecting your crops with insect netting from mid-May to mid-July.

Even if the vegetable garden is first and foremost a place for growing great quality veg, it’s always a good idea to leave a bit of room for flowers. Growing flowers alongside your vegetable plants will make your general gardening experience more enjoyable and is a great way to attract pollinators and repel garden pests! Flowers such as gaillardia, marigolds, zinnias, cosmos or nasturtiums can be sown in and around the rows of vegetables. Herbs such as dill can be very useful also. Bear in mind that some companion plants self-seed easily and can be a bit invasive (borage, chives, lemon balm etc.)

NB. Organic seeds (in French "AB" for "Agriculture Biologique") are produced from plants that aren't treated with phytosanitary products (insecticides, weed killers). The seeds do not undergo post-harvest treatment. They carry the AB label and are approved by Ecocert, an independent structure.