GROWING NOTES

Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with green plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly — you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.

HARVEST AND USE

For succulent texture and best flavor, pick Romanesco when no more than 6 to 8 inches long. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new fruits over a longer season. Slice lengthwise, brush with olive oil and grill until tender, then sprinkle with your favorite chopped herbs. Or combine chunks of Romanesco, onion, peppers and whole garlic cloves, toss with a little oil and bake in the oven until tender.