How big??

[star]

I got some Romanesco seeds this year...my absolute fav veg. Those of you who have grown it, how big are the plants? I would like to cover the brassicas but I need to know how big the frame needs to be....

[star]

[manicscousers]

Hiya, Star 
We grow these brilliant plants. If the soil is rich, the same height as calabrese, ray makes our frame about 4' in old money, not sure in cm. Then there's 6" of the bed . We get the odd one that still reaches the netting . Hope that helps 

[star]

  Hello Manics....yes that really does help thank you. My OH is putting new raised beds in for me. We're going to try to poly at least half of one of them. That's goin' to mess with me washing line   

[manicscousers]

Who needs clean clothes 
I love romanesco, so much easier and better for us than white cauli but watch the slugs, they love 'em and, of course pigeons and cabbage whits. Get yer netting out 

[star]

I heard slugs love 'em, and we are going to have HEAPS this year!!

I have some enviromesh, which will fit over a frame. Is it right that if you take the main head off when its ready side shoots will produce smaller heads? That would be nice 

[antipodes]

The one time I grew them they were taller than normal caulis, more like PSB. I am going to do a few more this year!

[star]

Its my first go at them, I love them . If you manage to buy one you don't seem to be able to but another, the season seems so short....which is why I was hoping they would get smaller heads on side shoots after the main head is cut.

I just hope I can firm them in enough, my ground is very sof. So here's hoping the new topsoil will be better for them 

[ancellsfarmer]

Its my first go at them, I love them . If you manage to buy one you don't seem to be able to but another, the season seems so short....which is why I was hoping they would get smaller heads on side shoots after the main head is cut.

I just hope I can firm them in enough, my ground is very sof. So here's hoping the new topsoil will be better for them 

My father who is on light land would "concrete" his sprouts, etc in. Not literally, but when planting, form a a deepish 6"conical hole with a handle or broomstick, place the plant almost to submergence and then flood the hole. A  severe pounding all around with a deftly placed welly boot heel consolidating the resultant mud never failed.

[star]

Thanks Ancellsfarmer, that is very useful 

First job....find them wellies 

Welcome to A4A btw, hope you'll like it here 

[willsy]

I have tried to grow Romanesco and they looked good, very healthy and tall with loads of greenery but no heads.So will give them a miss.. How long should they take to mature?

[pumkinlover]

I have tried to grow Romanesco and they looked good, very healthy and tall with loads of greenery but no heads.So will give them a miss.. How long should they take to mature?

I found that they do not like to produce heads if you are looking. I think that they are a bit shy, walk past casually one day and they will be there!

[goodlife]

 

found that they do not like to produce heads if you are looking. I think that they are a bit shy, walk past casually one day and they will be there!

[Digeroo]

 

I also find you get tired of waiting and then find when you next look they are past their best.

I think they are quite big, certainly as big as psb.  Never had much in the way of side shoots.  They are supposed to be frost hardy too, but never found that either.  There were lots of slug eggs around but the hedgehog seems to have been very busy.  I do hope it has been thorough.

I find they appreciate a lot of feeding.  For me brassicas seem to enjoy chicken pellets.

[Big Boy]

If you cut the head and then cut a cross in the stalk that is left in the ground you may get 4 mini one's to grow. Work's with cabbage.