Costata Romanesco is a classic Italian heirloom that’s all about quality over quantity. The fruits are beautifully striped and best picked at around 20cm long for a delicate flavour—perfect cooked whole or sliced into salads. Leave them to grow on and you’ll get long, fluted courgettes with a rich, nutty taste that stay tender even at full size. A reliable vining plant with plenty of character—definitely one to try.
SOW: late April to the end of May, under cover or on a window sill, 1 seed per pot.
GROW: keep moist, but not waterlogged, harden off and plant out after all danger of frost has passed. Costata Romanesco will need a bit more space as it will vine: it is possible to tie these in to a trellis and grow upwards rather than outwards! In cooler areas you can protect young plants with cloches until they have settled in. Not as prolific as some but very well flavoured.
ENJOY: scalloped slices are lovely pan fried or grilled. Small fruits are perfect for salads or cook them whole. Firm fruits can be diced or sliced for freezing
RECIPE IDEA - Grilled Courgette
sprinkle with black pepper or herbs and a pinch of salt if so desired.
in place of pepper use paprika
for a glazed, caramelised finish instead of salt sprinkle with sugar or a drizzle of honey
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