That green-headed spiky cauliflower is a tasty treat
Helen Chesnut
QIs there a cauliflower that is easy to grow? Everyone in my family loves it. We have seen an odd-looking cauliflower with lime green heads that form nubbly little spikes. Are you familiar with this? Is the taste different, and is it hard to grow?
A: Lime green, spiky cauliflowers are an Italian type called Romanesco. Most catalogues list one variety. Stokes Seeds lists Orbit. Several of the catalogues I have list my favourite Romanesco cauliflower, Veronica. Lindenberg Seeds in Manitoba has the best price. This kind of cauliflower has a mild, nutty flavour that is quite delicious.
Among the regular white cauliflower varieties, I’ve had easiest success with Snow Crown and Amazing. Snow Crown is valued for its speedy growth and head formation. Amazing is true to its name — a nearly foolproof cauliflower. Seeds for both are available from West Coast Seeds.
Cauliflower, like other Brassicas or Cole Crops, including cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, need a fertile, humus-rich soil with a balanced natural-source fertilizer mixed in. They can be started indoors from February to mid June for late spring to early autumn harvesting.
QI’d like to grow climbing zucchini on wire fencing, but I can’t find seeds. Are transplants commonly available?
A: You’re unlikely to find transplants, but seeds will be available in some outlets with West Coast Seeds. You’ll find a list of retail sources at westcoastseeds.com. Look for Tromboncino, the Italian climbing zucchini with long, slim fruits. This is the one to grow where space is limited and there is support to grow the vigorous vines on. All the seeds are in a small swollen area at the bottom (blossom) end, leaving a long, slender, all-flesh neck for easy slicing.