Growing Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a hardy vegetable but it will not withstand as much frost as cabbage. Too much warm weather keeps cauliflower from heading. In the South, its growing is limited to fall, winter, and spring; in the North, to spring and fall. However, in some areas of high altitude and when conditions are otherwise favorable, cauliflower culture is continuous throughout the summer.

Cauliflowers take up quite a bit of space so don't grow them if your vegetable patch needs high yield per square foot. Although a member of the cabbage family cauliflowers require more care and attention than cabbages to be grown successfully.

Cauliflower is grown on all types of land from sands to clay and peats. Although the physical character is unimportant, the land must be fertile and well drained. Manure and commercial fertilizer are essential. It is also recommended to add compost and till the soil well in advance of planting. Soil Ph is neutral to slightly acidic.

The time required for growing cauliflower plants is the same as for cabbage. In the North, the main cause of failure with cauliflower in the spring is delay in sowing the seed and setting the plants. The fall crop must be planted at such a time that it will come to the heading stage in cool weather.

Sow your seeds in in individual seeding pots or trays six weeks before planting. Harden the seedlings for a week before transplanting by increasing the amount of time kept outside and increasing exposure to the sun. Plant your seedlings 60 cm (2 feet) apart in rows that are spaced 1m (3 feet) apart.

Do not let the soil dry out, especially during hot spells. Use a mulch of grass clippings or compost to keep the soil cool and damp. Water regularly avoiding soaking the leaves as this may cause fungal disease.

A necessary precaution in cauliflower culture with all varieties, except Purple Head, is to tie the leaves together when the heads, or buttons, begin to form. This keeps the heads white. Cauliflower does not keep long after the heads form; 1 or 2 dozen heads are enough for the average garden in one season.

Start to harvest Cauliflowers before they reach their full size to ensure a staggered crop . This will help prevent a mass of crop within just a few days. To harvest your home grown Cauliflower cut the stalk with a sharp knife but be sure to leave a number of leaves that surround the head to protect it.

 If the florets of the Cauliflower head have started to open then you have passed the harvest date. The heads will also start to discolour once past the end of the correct harvesting period. Harvest your cauliflowers in the early morning when they are at their most succulent.

You can store cauliflowers for up to 3 weeks by hanging them upside down and mist-spraying with water every day.

Once harvested break up the remaining stalk and roots and add to your compost heap as unlike some other brassicas such as Broccoli, Cauliflower will not grow new heads.