BROCCOLI ‘Romanesco’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
‘Romanesco’ is a visually stunning heirloom broccoli variety known for its striking lime-green heads and natural fractal patterns. With a delicate texture and mild, nutty flavour, Romanesco is a favourite for roasting, steaming, or eating raw. It thrives in cool weather and well-drained soil, making it perfect for New Zealand gardens in spring and autumn.
- Famous for its spiral, fractal-like lime-green heads
- Milder and nuttier than traditional broccoli
- Rich in vitamins C and K, and a good source of fibre
- Harvest whole or in florets at your preferred size
- Performs well in cool-season conditions with consistent moisture
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual cool-season vegetable
- Plant Height: 60–80 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days
- Depth: Sow 1–2 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Directly into beds or in trays for transplanting
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0 with added compost
- Spacing: 60–90 cm between plants; 60–75 cm between rows
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weed pressure
- Harvest when heads are tight and before florets begin to separate
- Cut central head to promote side shoots for extended picking
- Cool conditions improve flavour and colour intensity
Harvest
70–90 days from sowing. Harvest when the heads are fully formed but tight. For the sweetest flavour, pick in the morning after a cool night.
When to Sow Broccoli ‘Romanesco’ in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | March–June, August–September | Avoid sowing in mid-summer. Provide consistent water during head development. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | March–June, August–September | Plant in early spring or late summer. Protect young plants from slugs. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | March–June, August–September | Well-suited to autumn crops. Use row covers early in spring if needed. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | February–April, August–September | Start indoors or under cover early. Frost enhances flavour but may delay maturity. |
Growing Romanesco as Microgreens
- Romanesco can also be grown as a microgreen with a distinctive mild flavour
- Sow densely on a shallow tray filled with moist potting mix or coir
- Keep in a warm, shaded spot for 2 days, then move to indirect light
- Water daily to maintain moisture without overwatering
- Harvest when seedlings are 5–7 cm tall—usually 10–14 days after sowing
