If you ’re looking to spice up your garden with something truly unequalled , why not try out growing some strange - looking vegetables that will both storm and delight ?

These 17 strange vegetable are not only heart - catching with their bizarre shapes and coloration , but they also provide incredible savor and nutritional benefits . From the vibrant , alien - like kohlrabi to the way-out - looking Romanescu cauliflower , these veggie stand out in any garden and offer a merriment challenge for gardeners . Whether you ’re looking to print at your next dinner party or plainly want to try out with new taste , these strange vegetables are a must - try .

They ’re perfect for those who are quick to think outside the traditional vegetable patch and research the more adventuresome side of horticulture . Ready to uprise something different this season ? These unknown vegetables will give your garden a classifiable edge and your meals a whole new flavor profile .

17 Strange-Looking Vegetables You Should Try Growing This Year

Romanesco Broccoli

With its mesmerizing fractal patterns , Romanesco Broccoli is truly a sight to behold . Each floret mould a arrant coil , making it a mathematician ’s dreaming in vegetable grade . The pictorial green hue adds a dad of color to garden and plate alike .

While it may look like it comes from another planet , it belongs to the same mob as Brassica oleracea botrytis and broccoli . Its taste is similar yet trenchant , pop the question a nuttier flavor profile . Add it to salad or roast it for a crunchy snack . Plant in well - drained soil with plenty of sunniness for the in force results .

Kohlrabi

Often likened to a starship , kohlrabi ’s bellied shape with leafy prominence do it support out . Its predilection is a delightful admixture of broccoli stems and radish . Choose between green or over-embellished diversity , both easy to grow and rewarding .

Brassica oleracea gongylodes thrives in cool weather and requires minimal care . Dice it raw into salad for a crunchy texture or steam clean it lightly to enjoy its sweet , soft flavor . To tame , insure uniform watering and protect from pests . Its quirky show is sure to intrigue both novice and seasoned nurseryman alike .

Black Radish

This dark - struggle root veggie might seem intimidate , but it rewards with a peppery , robust sapidity . Inside , the flesh is white and snappy , contrasting beautifully with the grim exterior .

Historically , mordant radishes have been used for their medicative dimension . They are utter for growing in coolheaded climates and are relatively pest - repellent . Grate them into salads to impart a spicy kick or roast them for a milder predilection . Regular lachrymation and fertile soil are cardinal to successful growing . These radish add an unusual twist to any garden crop batting order .

Oca

initiate from the Andes , oca tubers are small , colorful , and pack a tangy punch . Their vivacious hues of pinkish and orange not only lighten up garden but also serve as a conversation starter .

Oca likes cooler climates and fly high in the same conditions as tater . Boil or roast them to bask their lemony taste . While they ’re not as common in gardens , they ’re simple to grow and reap . found them in well - drained grunge and assure they welcome plentiful light . The surprisal of their flavor and coming into court makes them a delicious addition to any garden .

Celeriac

Celeriac , often call the ‘ unworthy duckling ’ of the vegetable reality , has a rustic charm with its knobby exterior . Beneath this harsh skin lie a tender , aromatic pulp appreciated in soups and purees .

Thriving in cooler temperature , celeriac require solitaire , as it has a long growing time of year . Once harvested , its distinct cultivated celery - similar flavor with nutty undertones unveils . grow Apium graveolens rapaceum requires regular watering and fertile , well - drained soil . Despite its appearance , it ’s a veg that surprises with its depth of tone and versatility in the kitchen .

Buddha’s Hand

This citrus yield looks as peculiar as its name suggests , with xanthous , finger - similar sections resembling a spooky hand . Despite its appearance , Buddha ’s Hand is fear for its fragrant zest .

While not juicy , it ’s perfect for infusing flavour into dishes or creating aromatic citrus oils . idealistic for container horticulture , it prefers a sunny slur with well - drain grease . Watch as it becomes the centrepiece of your garden , capture all who see it . Its relish is ideal for dessert , cocktails , and marinades , offer a unique culinary experience .

Fiddlehead Ferns

Young , curl up fronds of sure ferns , known as fiddlehead , are a springtime dainty . Their vibrant green shoots resemble the ringlet of a violin , add both grain and novelty to dishes .

Fiddleheads offer a taste reminiscent of asparagus with a hint of nuttiness . glean them when they ’re just emerge for the good spirit . Traditionally sautéed with Allium sativum and butter , they make an exquisite side smasher . assure they receive plenty of shade and moisture for optimal growth . innovate Pteretis struthiopteris to your garden add both culinary and cosmetic time value .

Cardoon

A relative of the globe artichoke , cardoon ’s enforce front in the garden is hard to ignore . Its hulk stalk and spiky leaves make it both an cosmetic and comestible works .

The still hunt are the stars here , often equate to celery in grain but with a subtle artichoke nip . Blanch them to reduce bitterness before cookery . Cardoon choose full sunshine and well - drained soil , thriving best in balmy climate . Its unique appearance will make it a conversation piece , while its taste perception offer a bon vivant touch to dwelling - fix meals .

Purple Cauliflower

Purple Brassica oleracea botrytis contribute an unexpected splash of people of color to your garden and home . Its prominent chromaticity amount from the mien of antioxidants , adding both nutrition and bauble .

Although it tastes interchangeable to its white counterpart , the colour can vary in saturation with picture to sunlight . Steam or roast it to enhance its lifelike sugariness . over-embellished cauliflower thrives in soft climate and requires consistent watering for the best yield . It ’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enclose both beauty and health to their vegetable selection .

Salsify

Salsify , often dubbed the ‘ oyster flora ’ , boast a pernicious seafood tang once prepare . This radical vegetable is farseeing and slender , with a sick , delicate pelt that conceals its creamy interior .

It ’s a versatile plus to knockout , idealistic for soup and fret . Salsify develop best in sandy soil and requires a longsighted growing season . harvesting in late fall for the good feeling . Despite its retiring appearance , it surprises many with its unique gustatory modality , adding a gourmet style to homemade meals . hone for those seeking to seek something different in their garden .

Purple Sweet Potato

Visually arresting , the royal sweet potato is a feast for the eyes and palate . Its ample hue hints at the antioxidant puncher it packs , rivaling vulgar varieties in both alimentation and taste .

The seraphic , creamy build works wonderfully in both sweet and mouth-watering ravisher . Grow them in well - run out soil with ample sunlight for a bountiful harvest . They ’re lively and adapt well to various climates , make them a gardener ’s delectation . Whether baked , mashed , or fried , this tuber take a vibrant twist to classic recipes while enlivening your garden with its color .

Malabar Spinach

This is n’t your typical prickly-seeded spinach ; Malabar Spinach is a climbing vine with heavyset , shining leave . It thrives in strong climate and provide a uninterrupted harvest throughout the season .

Its leaf have a mild , slightly peppery savor , perfect for salad or stir - fries . Malabar Spinach ask a sturdy trellis to support its vigorous growth . insure it receives plenty of sunlight and water regularly . Its unique growth wont and lavish leaf make it an attractive addition to any vegetable garden , offering both optic appeal and culinary versatility .

Chioggia Beet

Chioggia beets are a ocular treat , vaunt concentric rings of pink and whitened inside . This Italian heirloom variety is not just about looks — its sweet , earthy tone is equally enticing .

Whether roast or tender , it adds a pop of colouring to dishes . Grow Chioggia common beet in well - drained territory and coolheaded conditions for optimal effect . They ’re easy to domesticate and reap , making them a favorite among gardener . With its striking appearing and delicious gustatory modality , this beetroot is a must - assay for those look to expound their garden ’s palette .

Crosnes

Crosnes , also acknowledge as Formosan artichokes , are tiny tubers with a distinct , knobby appearance resonant of caterpillars . Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture make them a delightful addition to salads and stir - fries .

These tuber thrive in well - drained dirt and need minimum upkeep . Plant them in spring for a previous autumn harvest . Crosnes ’ unique shape often connive those unfamiliar with them . Despite their small sizing , they pile a lick in terms of taste and texture . An ideal choice for gardeners take care to examine something a minute out of the ordinary .

Romanesco Zucchini

This zucchini variety stands out with its ribbed , light fleeceable fruits . Romanesco courgette is not only visually appealing but also extend a slightly nutty smell that enhances any dish .

It ’s a fecund producer , supply a generous harvest time throughout the grow season . industrial plant in sunny touch with well - drained dirt for the expert yield . These zucchinis are perfect for grilling , stir - tike , or even raw in salads . With its attractive flavor and delicious taste sensation , Romanesco zucchini is a grand addition to any garden , prognosticate both beauty and bounty .

Yardlong Beans

Yardlong beans , also cognize as asparagus bean plant , live up to their name , reaching length of up to a railway yard . Their longsighted , slender pods are a pleasure in stir - fry and salads , offering a crisp grain and mild savour .

These bean thrive in warm climates and call for a sturdy support for climbing . Regular harvesting encourages more growth , make them a generative choice for gardeners . With their telling length and taste sensation , they fetch a unique dynamic to vegetable gardens . Plant them in sunny smudge with prolific soil to enjoy a bighearted harvest .

Dragon Tongue Beans

distinguish by their yellow pods streaked with vibrant purple , Dragon Tongue noggin are as visually captivating as they are tasty . These heirloom attic are tender and sweet , staring for eating fresh or wangle .

maturate them in full sun with well - run out ground for the skilful answer . They ’re Vannevar Bush - eccentric bean , making them soft to maintain without the need for staking . Their dramatic appearance makes them a favorite among veggie gardener seek something different . Enjoy these dome steamed , sautéed , or bare-assed for a beautiful and delightful addition to repast .

Romanesco Broccoli

© EatingWell

Romanesco Broccoli

Kohlrabi

© Wikipedia

Kohlrabi

Black Radish

© Gardening Know How

Black Radish

Oca

© Organically Grown Company

Oca

Celeriac

© Gardening Know How

Celeriac

Buddha’s Hand

© Moon Valley Nurseries

Buddha’s Hand

Fiddlehead Ferns

© Food & Wine

Fiddlehead Ferns

Cardoon

© DutchGrown

Cardoon

Purple Cauliflower

© Riverford Organic

Purple Cauliflower

Salsify

© Parade

Purple Sweet Potato

© Livestrong.com

Malabar Spinach

© Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Chioggia Beet

© Burrell Seed Growers, LLC

Crosnes

© Planting Justice

Romanesco Zucchini

© Pueblo Seed & Food Co | Cortez, Colorado

Yardlong Beans

© Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

Dragon Tongue Beans

© Gardening Know How