- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
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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.
Days to Emerge: 8–10 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 24"
Row Spacing: 24"–36"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 24"
Your hardiness zone is
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.
- Raheem T.Verified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars2/16/26Love 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
BIBotanical Interests2/20/26Hey 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 🌻️
- Loretta M.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars12/20/25Growing beautiful
I planted the seeds in the ground and they are coming out beautiful
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests12/22/25Hey Loretta,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with our Romanesco Cauliflower Seeds! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that they're coming out beautiful after planting them in the ground! Romanesco is such a stunning and unique variety with those gorgeous spiral patterns - it's always exciting to see them grow successfully. Thank you for choosing us and for sharing your growing success with us. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Erin A.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/5/245 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 stars4/15/245 Stars
Seeds sprouted and are growing well
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Jessica S.Rated 5 out of 5 stars4/2/245 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