How to Grow Cauliflower

How to Grow Cauliflower   How to Grow Cauliflower Technically, there are two sorts of cauliflowers, summer and winter. The former is a proper cauliflower ,while the latter variety is a type of broccoli. The names 'summer' and 'winter' are a bit misleading. Some summer cauliflowers are sown in winter under glass, for harvesting in late spring or early summer. Maincrop varieties of summer cauliflower are sown outdoors in spring for harvesting in summer and autumn. Soil and Site for Cauliflower All cauliflowers need a neutral or slightly alkaline soil to do well. If the soil is too acidic, the plants will be unable to obtain all the trace elements they need, and may develop whiptail. On the other hand, soils which are too limey or chalky can lead to stunted and discoloured cauliflower. As with all brassicas, avoid using a plot on which a brassica crop was grown within the past two years. Cauliflowers will definitely suffer if they are grown on the same plot for two or more years in a row. Winter Cauliflower Winter cauliflowers are much more tolerant of soil conditions, and will grow on most types of soil, as long as there is no water-logging. Because they grow slowly over a longer period of time, and have to face winter conditions, the one thing you want to avoid is lush, rapid and therefore vulnerable growth. If plenty of mulch has been dug in, there is no need for additional fertilizers, prior to planting out winter cauliflowers. An occasional Miracle Grow will do wonders for them.  They need a sheltered, rather than exposed site, and one with some protection from north and east winds. They do better in sun rather than in the shade. Protection against Frost should be taken, by covering them.  Care of Cauliflower The secret of success with summer cauliflowers is rapid and continuous growth. From transplanting time onwards they need copious watering, if checked at any time, they are liable to form very small heads. Even though the soil may have been very rich as a result of its preparation, it can do with even more feeding. Mulch the soil around the plants with rotted manure or garden compost three weeks after planting, drenching it with water afterwards. When the Heads have started to form, give the plants a top dressing of nitrate of soda.  Winter cauliflowers have the hazard of too much water to contend with in the winter, as well as too little in the summer. Earth up the soil in early to mid-autumn to form a continuous low ridge. This ensure that the excess water drains away from the stem. It also helps to strengthen the plants against the winter winds. It is not necessary to feed winter cauliflower during the early part of their life, in summer or autumn. Harvesting and Aftercare of Cauliflower A cauliflower is ready for cutting when the upper surface of the Head is fully exposed and the inner leaves no longer cover it. Unfortunately, cauliflowers tend to mature all at once. If the weather is warm and you leave the cauliflowers in the ground once they have matured, the heads expand and they become discoloured and less appealing.  To avoid this lift some early, they will be quite edible. Alternatively, gather up the leaves and tie them together over the Head so that they cover it, using garden twine, an elastic band or raffia. It will also protect the winter ones from the frost if the Heads have grown during that time. To keep them for two or three weeks once they are mature, lift the whole plant, including roots and hang them upside down in a cool shed and syringe them daily. Cauliflowers freeze well and you can deal with an over abundant crop by freezing the surplus for later use.  When harvesting, cut in the early morning when the plant is freshest, ideally with dew on it. During frosty weather however, it is better to wait till the warmest part of the day. Cut through the stalk with a sharp knife, leaving enough leaves around the Head to protect it. Unlike some brassicas, the cauliflower will not produce worthwhile shoots after its head has been cut, so clear the remains of the crop as quickly as possible. Pests and Diseases of Cauliflower Club Root           The first signs of infection are  wilting. blueish leaves and a dying plant. Cabbage  Root fly Stunted growth especially if infected as seedlings. Discoloured leaves which wilt. Roots are black and rotten. Cabbage Gall Weevil Stunted growth, and mis-shapen roots Wirestem   Rotting stems on seedlings Downy  Mildew Light grey powdery patches on the leaves and shoots, normally appearing in spring. The mildew will get right into the plant, eventually killing it. Happy Gardening Roland in Phoenix Here is some Free Gardening Gifts for You ! Follow Us on Twitter                     Follow Us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin       Follow us on IBOToolBox Below    Happy Gardening Roland in Phoenix         Back to the Home Page 4176 West Hearn Rd, , Phoenix, Az, USA tel: 602-89-8342 | email: Rolandd@cox.net | website: http://www.gogreeninarizona.org/Gardening.html