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Oops… I should have done my research first

By Penny Stine

I started both broccoli and cauliflower in the house this year. I'm not sure why, since both are fairly easy to start from seed in the garden. I guess I was just anxious to get started back in February or March.
After almost killing the cauliflower by putting them in direct sunlight before they'd been sufficiently prepared, I nurtured them back to health, hardened them off and planted both over the weekend.

Then I got curious about what both would look like as adults, since I'd chosen to plant a Romanesco Broccoli and Veronica Cauliflower. After doing a bit of research, I came to the conclusion that it's the same plant. Or almost the same plant. I got one seed from Baker Creek Heirloom seeds and the other from Park Seeds. The broccoli is supposed to be this old, Italian heirloom type of broccoli. The cauliflower is a new hybrid - of the old, heirloom Romanesco broccoli.
Both are supposed to form these curious heads with little pointy knobs that look like an alien life form. They're also supposed to be delicious - sweet, mild and nutty. Hmmm... now that sounds like someone's dear old granny.

I saw several recipes for preparing both and can hardly wait for them to grow.
So once again, I'm conducting my own gardening experiment to see whether the hybrid or the heirloom grow or taste better. The only problem is that they look identical and I didn't clearly mark ("oh, I'm sure I'll remember" I said to myself as I planted) which was which. And I've already forgotten, except that I know I planted broccoli in amongst the walking onion patch and cauliflower in this bed where spinach and love-in-a-mist is growing.

Wish me luck. Will keep you posted!  

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