Broccoli 'Romanesco' (Broccoli)

Plants may be started indoors up to 8 weeks before last frost but don't let transplants go past 4 or 5 true leaves - about 4 to 6 weeks old or you will promote bolting. Bottom heat soil to about 75F (25C) until seeds germinate and then maintain an air temp close to 60F with direct sun to prevent legginess. Alternatively, sow seeds about 3 inches (8 cm) apart just under ¾ inch (2 cm) deep as soon as the soil is workable. Spacing depends on what sort of heads you want to get. Close spacing (12 inch or 30 cm) will give smaller, more numerous heads while wide spaces (20 inches or 50 cm) will result in larger central head with fewer secondary heads. Start your fall crops by sowing out seed in midsummer. If you live in zone 7 or warmer these fall crops will overwinter. To prevent insect problems on young plants use floating row covers, but since these plants are shallow rooted, opt to mulch (over hoeing) to prevent weeds. Rotate crops to prevent disease buildup but don't include other members of the cabbage family in your rotation.