Brassica oleracea var. botrytis 'Romanesco'

Cauliflowers are tasty and nutritious vegetables that can survive temperatures down to -10°C. Choose the right varieties and time your seed sowing well, and you could harvest crops right through the year. The leaves are also edible. Once the central head has been cut, smaller heads will be produced.

Cauliflower 'Romanesco' is an unusual cultivar – the heads display a distinctive, fractal growth pattern that endlessly repeats itself. The flavour is similar to that of cauliflower, but is milder, nuttier and has a crunchier texture. Like other brassicas, Cauliflower 'Romanesco' thrives in a fairly heavy, alkaline soil – if your soil is acidic, add lime. Grow in a sheltered spot in firm, rich, well-drained soil in full sun.

Plant deeply, 60cm apart, and protect from birds and insects. Water well after planting.