How to grow cauliflower
The cauliflower is a delicate-tasting vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family, which has a reputation of being an extremely tricky plant to cultivate.
If conditions are not consistent and the plants receive little attention throughout the growing process, there is a high risk of failure.
If conditions are not consistent and the plants receive little attention throughout the growing process, there is a high risk of failure.
Types of cauliflower
There are varieties of cauliflower that will be ready for harvesting in spring, summer and autumn, as well as both fast growing and the usual slow growing types. Although the cauliflower is generally associated with having a white, curly head, they are also available in purple and lime-green.
Soil conditions for growing cauliflower
Cauliflower thrives in soil that is firm, well-dug and fertile. It requires a pH of somewhere between 6.5 - 7.0, and must be well-watered and kept moist at all times.
Ideally, the soil should be of a medium - heavy type such as a clay or silt loam. Experienced gardeners often plant cauliflowers in the same patch as their peas or beans from the previous year, as the soil will be well-fertilised and rich in nutrients from last year's crop.
To minimise pest and disease problems it is best if your crops are rotated to avoid the build up of bacteria and germs in the soil.
Ideally, the soil should be of a medium - heavy type such as a clay or silt loam. Experienced gardeners often plant cauliflowers in the same patch as their peas or beans from the previous year, as the soil will be well-fertilised and rich in nutrients from last year's crop.
To minimise pest and disease problems it is best if your crops are rotated to avoid the build up of bacteria and germs in the soil.
Climate conditions for growing cauliflower
The cauliflower plant does not like extreme heat nor frost and freezing temperatures. Therefore, depending on the weather, which you obviously cannot predict that far in advance, you may end up with a fantastic crop of large, well-rounded, compact vegetables or a disappointing yield of under-developed cauliflowers.
If sowing cauliflower seeds during the late winter or early spring and there are still frosts on the ground, it is best to start off the seedlings in a warm greenhouse or under a cloche.
Ideally, you should find a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of full sun a day and your cauliflower seedlings will be extremely happy.
If sowing cauliflower seeds during the late winter or early spring and there are still frosts on the ground, it is best to start off the seedlings in a warm greenhouse or under a cloche.
Ideally, you should find a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of full sun a day and your cauliflower seedlings will be extremely happy.
Soil preparation
If your soil is not particularly rich in nutrients, you should prepare it long in advance by adding manure or compost, so that by the time it comes to transplanting the seedlings, the soil is settled and fertile.
If possible, dig up the earth and add plenty of organic matter during the autumn, if you are planning on planting the seeds in late spring.
If necessary, add lime to bring the acidity to neutral or slightly alkaline and 2 - 3 weeks before transplanting the seedlings, rake over a general fertiliser over the topsoil.
If possible, dig up the earth and add plenty of organic matter during the autumn, if you are planning on planting the seeds in late spring.
If necessary, add lime to bring the acidity to neutral or slightly alkaline and 2 - 3 weeks before transplanting the seedlings, rake over a general fertiliser over the topsoil.
Sowing the cauliflower seeds
Check the seed packet for when to sow and transplant the cauliflower seeds. Generally, summer and autumn varieties are sown in April and May and transplanted in June, and spring varieties are sown in May and transplanted in July. Growing times do vary between the different types.
Maincrop varieties are usually sown outside in a seedbed and then transplanted to a permanent spot approximately 6 weeks later.
Prepare drills that are 13mm/¼in deep and 15cm/6in apart, and thinly sow the cauliflower seeds into the drills. Cover the seeds with soil and water. Label and date the site so that you don't forget what has been planted and when.
Once the seeds have germinated they should be thinned out to about 7.5cm/3in apart. This will stop overcrowding and create stronger and healthier plants.
Transplant the seedlings when they reach a height of 10cm - 15cm (4in - 6in).
The day before you are ready to transplant the cauliflower seedlings, tread down on the permanent bed to firm up the soil and then rake the topsoil to create a fine tilth. Try to do this on a dry day.
The seedlings should be spaced about 60cm/24in apart for summer and autumn varieties and 75cm/30in for spring varieties. Ensure that you water the seedlings straight after transplanting them and keep them firm in the soil.
Maincrop varieties are usually sown outside in a seedbed and then transplanted to a permanent spot approximately 6 weeks later.
Prepare drills that are 13mm/¼in deep and 15cm/6in apart, and thinly sow the cauliflower seeds into the drills. Cover the seeds with soil and water. Label and date the site so that you don't forget what has been planted and when.
Once the seeds have germinated they should be thinned out to about 7.5cm/3in apart. This will stop overcrowding and create stronger and healthier plants.
Transplant the seedlings when they reach a height of 10cm - 15cm (4in - 6in).
The day before you are ready to transplant the cauliflower seedlings, tread down on the permanent bed to firm up the soil and then rake the topsoil to create a fine tilth. Try to do this on a dry day.
The seedlings should be spaced about 60cm/24in apart for summer and autumn varieties and 75cm/30in for spring varieties. Ensure that you water the seedlings straight after transplanting them and keep them firm in the soil.
Caring for the cauliflower plant
It is essential that the cauliflower plants are watered regularly and kept moist at all times. A lack of water or firm soil will result in the formation of premature button heads. Protect the plants from pests and insects by spraying and from birds by covering with netting.
To maintain the healthy white colour of the curd and to also ensure optimum taste and flavour, fold over or tie the larger leaves inwards so that the core is shaded from the sun. This will also protect it from extreme temperatures in both cold and hot weather.
Keep weeds at bay by regularly hoeing, being careful not to disrupt the roots or position of the plants themselves.
To maintain the healthy white colour of the curd and to also ensure optimum taste and flavour, fold over or tie the larger leaves inwards so that the core is shaded from the sun. This will also protect it from extreme temperatures in both cold and hot weather.
Keep weeds at bay by regularly hoeing, being careful not to disrupt the roots or position of the plants themselves.
Harvesting the cauliflowers
To avoid having a glut of cauliflowers, start to harvest when some of them are still small. Cut the vegetables near the bottom of the stem, leaving a few larger leaves around the base. This is best done early morning.
If the cauliflowers have started to yellow or brown, this means that they are already beginning to deteriorate and have passed their prime harvesting point. The heads should also be firm, compact and full.
Once you have harvested the cauliflowers, dig up the remaining roots, leaves and stalks and add them to your compost heap.
If the cauliflowers have started to yellow or brown, this means that they are already beginning to deteriorate and have passed their prime harvesting point. The heads should also be firm, compact and full.
Once you have harvested the cauliflowers, dig up the remaining roots, leaves and stalks and add them to your compost heap.
Storing the cauliflowers
The cauliflowers will keep in the refrigerator for about a week or hang them upside down in a cool, dark space, such as a shed, where they will keep fresh for up to 3 weeks.
