Romanesco Cauliflower - Veronica

Best to Start Indoors

Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last expected frost. Sow 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover ¼ inch deep. Keep moist but not soggy. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves, acclimate to outdoor conditions and transplant 12 to 18 inches apart into rich, welldrained soil in full sun. Sow again in midsummer for a fall crop.

To Start Outdoors

About 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 12 to 18 inches apart and ¼ inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Tend carefully and thin to 1 strong seedling per group when several inches tall. Proper thinning is critical for successful heads.

Growing Notes

Fertilize young romanesco every three weeks with a liquid allpurpose fertilizer and keep wellwatered to aid the vigorous growth it requires to form good heads. For spring-grown plants, tie up the outer wrapper leaves to help shield the heads from sun discoloration as soon as they begin to form. Harvest the lime green heads promptly when fully filled out. Nontoxic “BT” (Bacillus thuringiensis) works well to control caterpillar pests.

Best to Start Indoors

Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last expected frost. Sow 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover ¼ inch deep. Keep moist but not soggy. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves, acclimate to outdoor conditions and transplant 12 to 18 inches apart into rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Sow again in midsummer for a fall crop.

To Start Outdoors

About 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 12 to 18 inches apart and ¼ inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Tend carefully and thin to 1 strong seedling per group when several inches tall. Proper thinning is critical for successful heads.

Growing Notes

Fertilize young romanesco every three weeks with a liquid allpurpose fertilizer and keep well-watered to provide the vigorous growth it requires to form good heads. For springgrown plants, tie up the outer wrapper leaves to help shield the heads from sun discoloration as soon as they begin to form. Harvest the lime green heads promptly when fully filled out. Nontoxic “BT” (Bacillus thuringiensis) works well to control caterpillar pests.

Best to Start Indoors

Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last expected frost. Sow 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover ¼ inch deep. Keep moist but not soggy. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves, acclimate to outdoor conditions and transplant 12 to 18 inches apart into rich, welldrained soil in full sun. Sow again in midsummer for a fall crop.

To Start Outdoors

About 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 12 to 18 inches apart and ¼ inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Tend carefully and thin to 1 strong seedling per group when several inches tall. Proper thinning is critical for successful heads.

Growing Notes

Fertilize young romanesco every three weeks with a liquid allpurpose fertilizer and keep well-watered to provide the vigorous growth it requires to form good heads. For springgrown plants, tie up the outer wrapper leaves to help shield the heads from sun discoloration as soon as they begin to form. Harvest the lime green heads promptly when fully filled out. Nontoxic “BT” (Bacillus thuringiensis) works well to control caterpillar pests.

Harvest and Use

Enjoy Veronica in salads, with dips, or break into florets and lightly steam or toss with olive oil and roast till tender. Note: Cauliflower cooks quickly when fresh from the garden.