Troubleshooting
'Romanesco' Broccoli problems — and how to fix them
'Romanesco' Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis 'Romanesco') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Loose or ricey curds
Caused by heat, drought stress or erratic watering during head formation. Keep soil evenly moist and harvest before the spirals begin to separate.
Clubroot
Soil-borne disease causing swollen, distorted roots and wilting. Lime to raise pH toward 7.0, improve drainage and rotate brassicas on a 3-4 year cycle.
Cabbage white caterpillars
Larvae of cabbage white butterflies shred leaves and bore into heads. Net the crop with fine mesh and pick off eggs and caterpillars by hand.
Buttoning (premature small heads)
Tiny heads form too early when young plants are checked by cold, root disturbance or starvation. Transplant healthy, unstressed plants into well-prepared, fertile ground.
Prevent 'romanesco' broccoli problems before they start
Most 'romanesco' broccoli issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for 'romanesco' broccoli in general rather than its problems? Read the full 'romanesco' broccoli care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
'Romanesco' Broccoli problems — FAQ
Why is my 'romanesco' broccoli loose or ricey curds?
Caused by heat, drought stress or erratic watering during head formation. Keep soil evenly moist and harvest before the spirals begin to separate.
Why is my 'romanesco' broccoli clubroot?
Soil-borne disease causing swollen, distorted roots and wilting. Lime to raise pH toward 7.0, improve drainage and rotate brassicas on a 3-4 year cycle.
Why is my 'romanesco' broccoli cabbage white caterpillars?
Larvae of cabbage white butterflies shred leaves and bore into heads. Net the crop with fine mesh and pick off eggs and caterpillars by hand.
Why is my 'romanesco' broccoli buttoning (premature small heads)?
Tiny heads form too early when young plants are checked by cold, root disturbance or starvation. Transplant healthy, unstressed plants into well-prepared, fertile ground.