Romanesco Broccoli

Romanesco Broccoli -  It looks like fractal cauliflower, but it's broccoli.  I've wanted to grow some since I first shot this photo in a farmers market in Barcelona.  It was February and there were so much beautiful produce on display.  I have no idea where it was grown; probably not in Barcelona which lies at 41 degrees latitude.  Maybe Africa.  Morocco is just south across the Gibraltar Strait.  I'm envisioning a bustling souk with narrow lanes and all manner of goods for sale.  Wait, here comes Indiana Jones strolling into view.  


This photo provides gardening inspiration.  It is possible to grow most of these vegetables here though perhaps not by me, if last year is any indication.  I dream on.  A trip to Territorial Seed Company yielded 25 seeds of Romanesco Broccoli, Veronica Hybrid which takes 85 growing days to maturity.  The staff lady said after the fractal head ripens, a second crop of regular looking broccoli emerges! 

Territorial Seed Company is a wonderful store to browse.  Their spring calendar is out and full of interesting gardening seeds and tools.  I left my copy on their counter, alas.  I'll just have to go back.


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