Romanesco

Brassicaceae

Botanically a cauliflower with a stunning fractal/Fibonacci spiral pattern in lime-green. Nuttier, milder flavor than either broccoli or cauliflower. NO blanching needed (lime-green is natural/desirable). Slightly less temperature-sensitive than white cauliflower but still fussy. Large plants — 18-24+ inch spacing. Fall planting strongly preferred. Single head, no side shoots.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

75–100 days

Sun

6+ hours

Spacing

18–24 "

Seed Start

4–6 weeks

before transplant

Container

Not Ideal

5+ gallon pot

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 5–10 days

Optimal Temp 75°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Moderate-high

Soil

pH Range 6–7.5

Resilience

Heat: Low Cold: Medium

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Harvest

Fractal head fully developed, firm, 4-7 inches.

Storage 14 days

Sources

horticultural Gardener's Path — Romanesco horticultural Epic Gardening — Romanesco horticultural BBC Gardeners' World — Romanesco university UMN Extension — Growing Cauliflower (Romanesco noted as fall crop) university University of Wisconsin Horticulture — Romanesco

More Vegetables

Romanesco Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Romanesco vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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