I'm a novice, so I'm sure there's probably a better way to do this, but I would probably make a 2d shape that I can move around and scale. Here's what I would try:
- Create a circle with an even number of vertices, like 32
- In vertex selection mode, checker deselect. (Select > Checker deselect)
- Scale just those points outwards a little bit
- Bevel the vertices (Ctrl + Shift + B) and use the mouse wheel to create three points. Make them more or less evenly spaced. It should look like a cauliflower
- Select all vertices
- Repeat steps 2 through 5 a few times. It should start to look like a carnation
- Using circle select tool (C, mouse wheel adjusts radius) pick just the inside vertices. There should be 16.
- Turn on proportional editing mode and set it to random (squiggly line)
- Scale those points in or out, playing with the radius using the mouse wheel. The deselected points will move random distances, giving a jagged/fuzzy look. You can get a lot of variety if you play with the radius.
- Select all points and hit F to fill.
Here's how mine turned out.