Broccoflower

What the heck is a broccoflower? Sure to please fans of broccoli and cauliflower, these other-worldly looking veggies are a hybrid that comes in two varieties. Here’s what they are and how to grow them.

What the heck is a broccoflower? Sure to please fans of broccoli and cauliflower, these other-worldly looking veggies are a hybrid that comes in two varieties. Here’s what they are and how to grow them.
There are two types of broccoflower. One variety (like Green Goddess Hybrid or Chartreuse Hybrid) takes the shape and texture of regular white cauliflower, but with an unusual light green color. The other variety is sometimes called Romanesco broccoli, and has a lime green head with pointy, conical florets. Both are sweeter and milder in flavor than broccoli or cauliflower, and can be substituted for either in recipes that call for those veggies. It’s more like cauliflower in taste and texture than broccoli.

Since the hybrid broccoflower is closest to cauliflower, planting directions follow the norm for growing cauliflower. It works best when started from transplants, but since you’re not likely to find broccoflower seedlings at your local garden supply, you’ll want to start the seeds on your own. One they reach a couple inches tall and have several true leave, transplant the seedlings outdoors in either spring or fall. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows. Harvest broccoflower heads about 65 days after transplant.