Ornamental kale and certain cabbage varieties share visual similarities with the broccoli you find at farmers markets. If you have ever done a double-take in a garden center, you are likely searching for plants that look like brocolli but serve a different purpose.
Many gardeners get confused when they see these lookalikes. Some are edible, while others are purely decorative. This guide will help you tell them apart and decide which ones deserve a spot in your yard or dinner plate.
Plants That Look Like Brocolli
Broccoli belongs to the species Brassica oleracea. This same species includes cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Because they share a common ancestor, these plants often look similar during certain growth stages.
Below are the most common plants that mimic broccoli’s appearance. You will learn their unique traits, growing needs, and whether they are worth eating.
Ornamental Kale And Flowering Cabbage
Ornamental kale is the top contender for the broccoli lookalike crown. Its ruffled leaves form a tight rosette that resembles an unopened broccoli head. The colors range from deep purple to creamy white, often with green edges.
Flowering cabbage is similar but has smoother, flatter leaves. Both are technically edible, though they taste bitter and tough. They are bred for looks, not flavor.
- Grows best in cool weather (55-65°F)
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Reaches 12-18 inches tall
- Perfect for fall container displays
If you want a pop of color in your autumn garden, these are excellent choices. They look stunning next to pansies and mums.
Romanesco Broccoli
Romanesco is a real broccoli relative, but its fractal pattern sets it apart. The chartreuse green spirals form a natural geometric masterpiece. Some people mistake it for a mutated broccoli or an alien plant.
Unlike ornamental kale, romanesco is completely edible. It has a nutty, earthy flavor and a firm texture. You can roast it, steam it, or eat it raw in salads.
- Plant seeds in early spring or late summer
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Harvest when the head is 4-6 inches wide
- Cut the main head, then let side shoots grow
This plant is a conversation starter. It looks like something from a sci-fi movie, but it tastes like a mild, sweet broccoli.
Cauliflower Varieties
White cauliflower is an obvious lookalike, but the colored types are even more striking. Purple cauliflower gets its hue from anthocyanins, the same antioxidant found in red cabbage. Orange cauliflower contains beta-carotene, giving it a golden glow.
Green cauliflower, sometimes called broccoflower, is a hybrid between broccoli and cauliflower. Its curds are looser than standard cauliflower but tighter than broccoli florets.
All these varieties grow in similar conditions to broccoli. They need rich soil, consistent moisture, and cool temperatures. If you can grow broccoli, you can grow these.
Broccoli Raab (Rapini)
Broccoli raab looks like a skinny, leafy version of broccoli. It produces small clusters of tiny buds instead of one large head. The leaves are deeply lobed and grow on thin, branching stems.
This plant is popular in Italian cuisine. It has a slightly bitter, peppery taste that pairs well with garlic and olive oil. You can harvest the entire plant when the buds appear but before the flowers open.
Broccoli raab is faster to mature than regular broccoli. It goes from seed to harvest in about 40-50 days. This makes it a great choice for impatient gardeners.
Brussels Sprouts (Young Plants)
Young Brussels sprout plants look surprisingly similar to broccoli. They form a tall central stalk with large, crinkled leaves. The edible sprouts develop in the leaf axils, not at the top like broccoli.
If you see a plant with a thick stem and no central head, it might be Brussels sprouts. The leaves are edible too, but they are tougher than kale. You can sauté them or use them in soups.
Brussels sprouts need a long growing season. They take 90-120 days to mature. They also taste better after a light frost, which converts their starches into sugars.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are another close relative. They do not form a head, but their broad, smooth leaves can look like broccoli leaves. The leaf shape is similar, though collards are larger and more paddle-like.
Some gardeners grow collards for their nutritious leaves. They are a staple in Southern cooking, often boiled with ham hocks or smoked turkey. They are also more heat-tolerant than broccoli.
If you want a plant that looks like broccoli but is easier to grow, collards are a solid option. They tolerate poor soil and resist many common pests.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi looks like a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. The swollen stem base is the edible part, and it grows above ground. The leaves sprout from the top, giving it a quirky, broccoli-like silhouette.
Kohlrabi comes in green or purple varieties. The flesh is crisp and juicy, with a flavor similar to broccoli stems but sweeter. You can eat it raw, sliced into salads, or roasted with other vegetables.
This plant matures quickly, usually in 45-60 days. It is also more cold-hardy than broccoli, making it a good fall crop.
How To Tell The Difference
It can be tricky to identify these lookalikes at a glance. Here are some quick tips to help you distinguish them.
- Check the head: Broccoli has tight, green buds. Cauliflower has dense, white or colored curds. Romanesco has pointed spirals.
- Look at the leaves: Ornamental kale has frilly, colorful leaves. Collards have smooth, broad leaves. Broccoli leaves are bluish-green with a waxy coating.
- Feel the texture: Broccoli florets are firm but slightly spongy. Ornamental kale leaves are crisp and stiff.
- Smell the plant: Edible varieties have a mild, sulfurous aroma. Ornamental types often smell more earthy or even slightly bitter.
When in doubt, ask a nursery worker or check the plant tag. Many ornamental varieties are sprayed with pesticides, so you should not eat them unless you grew them yourself organically.
Growing Tips For Broccoli Lookalikes
Most of these plants share similar growing requirements. Here is a simple guide to get you started.
Soil And Sunlight
All brassicas prefer full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light per day. They also like fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or aged manure before planting to boost nutrients.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. These plants have shallow roots, so they dry out quickly. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing
Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Use a nitrogen-rich formula to encourage leafy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to hollow stems or poor head formation.
Pest Control
Cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles love brassicas. Check the undersides of leaves regularly. Use row covers to protect young plants. You can also handpick caterpillars or spray with neem oil.
Creative Uses For These Plants
Beyond the vegetable garden, these lookalikes have many uses.
- Ornamental borders: Plant ornamental kale in rows along walkways or in front of shrubs.
- Cut flower arrangements: The colorful rosettes of ornamental kale last for weeks in a vase.
- Edible landscaping: Use purple cauliflower or romanesco as a focal point in raised beds.
- Fall decorations: Combine ornamental cabbage with pumpkins, gourds, and dried corn for a festive display.
- Microgreens: Grow broccoli or kale microgreens indoors for a nutritious garnish.
These plants are versatile. You can enjoy them for their beauty, their taste, or both.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make errors with these crops. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Planting too late: Broccoli and its relatives hate heat. They bolt (go to seed) quickly in warm weather. Plant them early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
- Overcrowding: These plants need space to form proper heads. Follow the spacing recommendations on the seed packet.
- Ignoring pests: A few cabbage worms can decimate a young plant. Check your garden daily.
- Harvesting too late: Broccoli heads turn yellow and bitter if left too long. Cut them while the buds are still tight.
- Forgetting to harden off: If you start seeds indoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
Avoid these errors, and you will have a thriving brassica patch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Plant Looks Most Like Broccoli?
Ornamental kale and flowering cabbage look the most like broccoli. Their tightly packed leaves mimic the texture and shape of a broccoli head, especially in the early stages.
Can You Eat Ornamental Kale That Looks Like Broccoli?
Yes, but it is not very tasty. Ornamental kale is edible but tends to be tough and bitter. It is often treated with pesticides, so only eat it if you grew it yourself without chemicals.
Is Romanesco Broccoli Or Cauliflower?
Romanesco is a distinct cultivar of Brassica oleracea. It is sometimes called broccoflower because it is a hybrid between broccoli and cauliflower. Its flavor is nutty and mild.
Why Does My Broccoli Look Like Leaves?
If your broccoli has lots of leaves but no head, it may be too warm, too crowded, or lacking nutrients. Ensure it gets enough water and nitrogen. Also, some varieties are leafier than others.
Are There Any Poisonous Plants That Look Like Broccoli?
No common ornamental plants are poisonous that look exactly like broccoli. However, always be cautious. Some wild plants in the mustard family can be toxic, so only eat plants you have positively identified.
Final Thoughts
Plants that look like brocolli are more common than you might think. From the colorful ornamental kale to the geometric romanesco, there is a lookalike for every garden style and taste preference.
You can grow them for food, for decoration, or for both. They are relatively easy to care for, as long as you provide cool weather, rich soil, and regular water. With a little attention, you will have a stunning and useful addition to your garden.
So next time you see a plant that reminds you of broccoli, take a closer look. It might be a delicious new vegetable or a beautiful ornamental waiting to shine.