Romanesco (Cauliflower)

Brassica oleracea Romanesco

Seeds per pack ~100

Germination 95% (Packed for 2025)

Origins and History

Romanesco Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Romanesco) is a centuries-old Italian heirloom, first documented in the 16th century near Rome, from which its name derives. Sometimes referred to as “Romanesco Broccoli” or “Romanesque Cauliflower,” it belongs to the same species as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Its fractal form and lime-green color made it a prized vegetable in Italian markets and a curiosity across Europe, celebrated for its natural mathematical beauty as much as for its flavor. Today, it remains a beloved heirloom, connecting modern growers with traditional Italian agriculture.

Appearance and Characteristics

Romanesco is immediately recognizable for its striking chartreuse green florets arranged in a perfect logarithmic spiral. Each head is made of multiple pointed, conical florets that repeat in fractal patterns, giving it a sculptural quality. Heads typically reach 1–2 pounds, forming atop large leafy plants similar in habit to cauliflower. The texture is slightly denser than cauliflower, with a nutty, delicate flavor that is less pungent and more earthy than its relatives.

Culinary Uses

In the kitchen, Romanesco is treasured for its unique appearance and mild, nutty taste. It can be roasted, steamed, or sautéed much like cauliflower, and its firm texture holds up well in curries, gratins, or stir-fries. Italians often prepare it simply with olive oil, garlic, and lemon. It can also be eaten raw, offering a crunchy, slightly sweet bite in salads or crudité platters. Its striking look makes it a centerpiece vegetable both in cooking and on the plate.

Growing Tips 

Romanesco thrives in cool-season conditions and grows best in USDA Zones 3–10. It requires fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost and consistent moisture. Sow seeds indoors ¼–½ inch deep, 6–8 weeks before the last spring frost for a summer harvest, or in mid-summer for a fall harvest. Transplant outdoors once seedlings have 4–5 true leaves, spacing plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 2–3 feet apart. Romanesco is sensitive to temperature fluctuations—too much heat or stress can cause irregular heads to form.

Harvesting Guidance

Heads are ready for harvest about 75–100 days from transplant, depending on conditions. Harvest when the head is fully formed, firm, and the spirals are distinct but before the florets begin to separate or yellow. Cut the central stem with a sharp knife, leaving some leaves around the head to protect it. Romanesco stores for about a week under refrigeration. Prompt harvesting encourages the plant to direct energy into side shoots, though these will be smaller than the main head.