How to grow Romanesco Veronica Seeds
Romanesco Veronica grows best in cool weather and produces firm, decorative heads with a distinctive spiral shape. Buds will not develop well in extreme heat or drought.
Starting Romanesco Seeds
Start the seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds approximately 0.5 cm deep in seed-starting mix, keeping the soil consistently moist at a temperature of 18–21°C.
Germination & Timing
Germination takes approximately 7–14 days. Sow outdoors 2–3 weeks before the last expected frost date. For an autumn crop, sow 9 weeks before the first expected frost date.
Transplanting
Once the seedlings have developed 4–6 true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors. Space the plants about 60 cm apart in rows that are 60–75 cm apart.
Location & Soil
Select a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. Romanesco does best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It prefers loose, well-drained loamy soils with a high amount of organic matter and consistent soil moisture.
Add compost or an organic fertilizer that is higher in potassium and phosphorus than nitrogen to your soil before planting.
Watering & Care
Water the plants regularly to maintain even soil moisture, and mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Romanesco Veronica prefers cooler weather, so consider planting in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
It will survive frost down to 20–25°F, although mature heads may be damaged in a hard freeze. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to promote healthy growth.
Harvesting
The heads should be ready to harvest in about 75–100 days when they are firm and approximately 10–15 cm in diameter. When harvesting, leave at least 5 cm of stem attached to the base.