BROCCOLI ‘Romanesco’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
Romanesco broccoli seeds produce striking lime-green, spiral heads with a sweet, nutty flavour—often called “fractal broccoli” or “broccoflower.” A cool-season favourite for Australian gardens, Romanesco rewards good spacing and steady moisture with dense, sculptural heads that shine in the kitchen. For variety comparisons, planting windows by climate, and pro tips, see our
Complete Guide to Growing Broccoli Varieties in Australia.
- Unique heirloom with eye-catching fractal pattern and vibrant lime-green heads.
- Milder, nutty flavour than traditional broccoli—kids and gourmet cooks love it.
- Naturally rich in vitamins C & K and dietary fibre.
- Versatile: delicious steamed, roasted, air-fried, or tossed into stir-fries and salads.
- Cool-season performer that prefers even moisture and well-drained, fertile soil.
- Harvest at various sizes—from baby florets to full-size heads—depending on your recipe.
- Great for home gardeners and market growers seeking premium presentation.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual cool-season vegetable
- Plant Height: 60–80 cm
- Habit: Compact rosette with central fractal head
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days
- Sowing Depth: 1–2 cm
- Position: Full sun to light afternoon shade in warmer regions
- Sow Where: Direct into beds or raise in trays for transplanting
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.0); enrich with compost before sowing
- Spacing: 60–90 cm between plants; 60–75 cm between rows (give heads room to form)
Growing Tips
- Maintain consistent moisture for dense, well-formed heads; avoid water stress.
- Mulch to stabilise soil temperature and suppress weeds; feed with a balanced fertiliser, then side-dress as heads initiate.
- For best shape, harvest when the head is tight and uniform—before individual florets begin to separate.
- After removing the main head, small side shoots may develop for bonus pickings.
Harvest
70–90 days from sowing (timing varies by climate and spacing). Pick when heads are firm, symmetrical, and tightly packed.
When to Sow Broccoli Romanesco in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | March–June, August–September | Sow early spring or late summer; avoid peak heat for best head formation. |
| Subtropical | March–May, August–September | Grow through the cooler months; provide light shade in warm spells. |
| Tropical | Not recommended | Choose heat-tolerant leafy brassicas instead. |
| Cool | February–April, August–September | Sow early for autumn crops; protect seedlings from frost. |
| Arid | March–May | Sow during cooler periods; mulch well and water consistently. |
Growing Microgreens
- Romanesco can be grown as microgreens for a nutritious garnish with mild brassica flavour.
- Sow densely in shallow trays with moist seed-raising mix or coir; press lightly for good seed-to-soil contact.
- Keep in bright, indirect light; mist or bottom-water to maintain even moisture.
- Harvest in 10–14 days at 5–7 cm tall; rinse and use fresh.
Need help choosing between Romanesco and other broccoli types? Read our
Complete Guide to Growing Broccoli Varieties in Australia for climate-based sowing dates, variety pros/cons, and succession-planting ideas.
