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Product Details
Product Details
Is it art or food? Both! 'Romanesco' is not actually a cauliflower, but somewhere between a broccoli and cauliflower, with 5"-6" heads. First noted by Italians in the 16th century, it is now catching the eyes of gourmet chefs. Cooked, 'Romanesco' has a delicious nutty flavor and a texture similar to cauliflower. Easier to grow for fall harvest as a warm spring may delay heads until fall.
Your hardiness zone is
- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 75–100 days
Family: Brassicaceae
Native: Europe
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant biennial grown as an annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: 36" tall, 24" wide
Variety Info: An old, reliable European heirloom introduced in 1890. Large plant with blue green leaves and a 5"–6" lime green central head composed of many smaller spiraling florets.
Attributes: Frost Tolerant, Good For Containers
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: Not recommended. 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, or 10 to 12 weeks before your average first fall frost date. In Mild Climates, sow in early fall for winter harvest.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside after your average last frost date, or 12 weeks before your average first fall frost date. In mild climates, sow in fall for harvest in late winter and early spring. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–85°F, cooler (60°F) growing temperatures thereafter.
Sprouts in: 8–10 days
Plant Seeds (Depth): ¼"
Space Seeds: A group of 3 seeds every 24"
Row Spacing: 24"–36"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 24"
Growing Info
Harvesting: Harvest heads as soon as they have developed. Head should be firm and solid. Cut at the base where it connects with the stem using a sharp knife. Remove entire plant after harvest since romanesco rarely produces side shoots like true broccoli. Harvest in the morning if possible. If harvested in the heat, dunk in ice water to reduce "field heat" and increase storage time. Allow to drain before storing.
- Adia V.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 starsNov 4, 2026Visually striking
I enjoy romanesco more than regular broccoli or cauliflower it's a great taste inbetween. Plus you save money on a variety that is expensive and hard to find in stores. All plants produced a decent sized head, although slowly, very small offshoots and seemed to be an aphid magnet. I recommend soaking your broccoli before eating it to get aphids out. Would definitely grow again though. Great bang for your buck as you get lots of seeds with perfect germination
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningNov 4, 2026Hey Adia,
What a great experience you've had with our Romanesco Cauliflower Seeds, minus the aphids, of course! Those visually striking heads are just beautiful to look at!
Thanks so much for sharing all the details about your growing experience with our gardening community and us. And we're really happy to hear about that great germination rate and all the seeds you got to work with. We'd definitely love to hear how your next round goes if you decide to grow them again.
Keep on growing 🌻
- Raheem T.Verified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 starsFeb 16, 2026Love the spiral look
My first time growing this plant it was great I started them in the ground around October then I harvest it today February 16 2026 I really didn’t want to eat it because it was so cool but anyway I’m growing in zone 9 B California
EGEpic GardeningFeb 20, 2026Hey Raheem,
We totally get not wanting to eat it because it was so cool looking! That spiral fractal pattern of Romanesco is absolutely mesmerizing - it's almost too beautiful to harvest, right? We're so thrilled to hear about your success growing it from October to February in zone 9B. That's a perfect growing window for Romanesco in California, and it sounds like you nailed the timing! We love that you took the plunge and tried this unique variety for the first time. Thank you for choosing us and for sharing your growing adventure with us. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Erin A.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsJul 5, 20245 Stars
This was a very successful variety! Despite some rather crazy weather in Zone 8b during the 2024 season - including record highs and lows. Despite all that, this cauliflower not only grew, but thrived. Once harvested it was absolutely delicious. Definitely will be growing again!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Amy S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsApr 15, 20245 Stars
Seeds sprouted and are growing well
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Jessica S.Rated 5 out of 5 starsApr 2, 20245 Stars
I had a labeling mixup (on my part) and gave away all but one of the romanesco cauliflowers I planted this fall. Luckily, the one I had headed up really well and I got to see the cool fractal pattern that the heads form. Very cool plant and it tasted great too.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
