Growing Broccoflowers in Your Garden
March 8, 2023
Broccoflowers are a hybrid of broccoli and cauliflower, and have a light green colour. They have a delicate, mild taste and crunchy texture that make for an interesting inclusion in any meal. Unlike broccoli and cauliflower, Broccoflowers can be eaten will raw and enjoyed in salads, or cooked in a variety of ways.
Broccoflowers, also known as Romanesco broccoli, is a unique vegetable that is loved for its delicate, sweet flavor. If you’re looking to add a unique, flavorful vegetable to your garden, growing broccoflowers is a great option! With a few tips for care, you can have a plentiful harvest of this unique vegetable.
Choosing the Right Spot
When selecting a spot for your broccoflowers, look for an area that gets full sun, or at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Make sure the soil is well-drained, as broccoflowers don’t tolerat wet feet very well. Working a bit of aged compost or fertilizer into the soil will help give your broccoflowers plenty of nutrients.
Care and Maintenance
Broccoflowers need to be watered consistently and evenly throughout the season, as dry soil can lead to bolting (premature flowering). Adding a layer of mulch, such as straw or grass clippings, can help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
Weeds can be a challenge for broccoflower plants, as they can compete for nutrients. To prevent weeds, keep the area around your plants weeded. To deter pests, use row covers for additional protection.
Harvesting
Broccoflowers are ready to be harvested after about 80-100 days from the time of planting. The heads should feel solid and have a vibrant color. To harvest, use a sharp knife to cut the head off the plant. For a second harvest, leave the side shoots on the plant, and they should start to grow again.
With proper care, your broccoflowers can provide you with plenty of delicious veggies all season long! With their complex flavor and beautiful shape, they’re sure to be a hit in your garden.
