Broccoli Romanesco ( Brassica olearacea ) is an old heirloom variety that has been grown in Italy since the 16th century! An Italian heirloom: it can produce lime green heads of up to 2.5 kg (5 pounds) and can be sown in autumn or spring; preferring a full sun position.
Ready to harvest in 80-90 days. The Romanesco taste resembles a cross between a cauliflower and nuts.
This variety can be sown in cold to sub-tropical climates.
Check out our page on Broccoli Di Ciccio here.
Growth
Brassica oleracea or Broccoli Romanesco can grow to approximately 90 cm’s in height. They prefer a composted soil with good drainage in a position of full sun. Seeds should be sown after any chance of frosts have passed in Spring, or after the hot sun of summer. Broccoli seedlings are a favourite for a range of pests in the garden and protection is necessary. Fertiliser containing nitrogen and phosphorous can be applied once seedlings have become established.
Broccoli is a high source of many vitamins and minerals and has numerous health benefits.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
7 to 27°C / 45 to 80°F can withstand light frosts and hot temperatures for short periods.
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be loose and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 90 cm’s (3 feet) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm’s (12 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind. Bees required to produce seed.
MATURITY:
Average 80-90 days
GERMINATION RATES:
91%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 10-23°C / 50-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 250
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT BRASSICA OLERACEA (Broccoli)
The word broccoli comes from the Italian plural term broccolo which means, the flowering crest of cabbage.
China and India account for around 73% of the world’s annual production of Broccoli.
Broccoli is a high source of Vitamins C and K and is closely related to Cabbage, Kale, and Cauliflower.
California produces almost all the broccoli sold in the United States.
