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HEIRLOOM. With beautiful, green whorled heads, this variety has been a culinary delight since the 16th century.Full DescriptionA marvel to look at, a delight to taste. ‘Romanesco’s lineage can be traced to 16th century Italy. Beautiful green whorled heads with pleasing, nutty taste, best served fresh—retaining their flavor and texture if lightly cooked.How to Sow and PlantBroccoli may be direct sown or started indoors early for fall and spring crops, or purchased as transplants for a fall crop.Sowing Seed Indoors:Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before outdoor planting.Sow seeds ¼ inches deep in seed-starting formulaKeep the soil moist at 70 degrees FSeedlings emerge in 10-21 daysAs soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 3 pairs of leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots.Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.Sowing Directly in the Garden:Sow in average soil in a sunny location in early spring or in midsummer for a fall crop.In rows 2 feet apart, sow seeds thinly and cover with ¼ inch of fine soil.Keep evenly moist. Water gently.Seedlings emerge in 10-21 days.Thin to stand about 16 inches apart when seedlings are 1-2 inches high.Planting from Transplants in Fall:Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic soil.Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball. Space plants 1-2 feet apart in rows 2 feet apart.