How to Grow Cauliflower Vegetable
As a member of the cabbage family, cauliflower likes the cooler weather of
spring and autumn. They may go dormant in the hottest days of summer. The
cabbage family is well known to withstand frost and freezes. But, cauliflower
is less cold hardy than other members of this family.
The majority of cauliflower is grown as a fall crop. Serious cauliflower
growers will grow a spring and a fall crop. Cauliflower does not do well
in mid-summer's heat.
The plant will produce just one, large head.
Varieties:
Most varieties, like Early Snowball, produce white heads. There is a variety
that produces a light green head, making it quite novel. (
See Cauliflower Brocoverde )
Did you know? Cauliflower heads are called "Curds".
Days to Maturity:
Varies by variety: 55 - 70 days
How to Grow Cauliflower:
Growing cauliflower is a little more difficult than other members of the
cabbage family. This is largely due to the need to cover and "blanch" the
head.
The plants like cool weather. Many growers plant both a spring and fall
crop. For a spring crop, start indoors four to six weeks before the last
frost in your area. Transplant spring crops into the garden after the last
frost date in your area. Fall crops can be directly seeded into the garden.
Cauliflower plants grow best in full sun. The soil should be rich and well
drained, with plenty of organic matter. A slightly alkaline soil is best.
Watering is important. Cauliflower plants need regular, even watering. Do
not allow the soil to dry. Fertilize when planting and at regular intervals.
The combination of ample water and regular fertilizing is important to vigorous
growth, and development of a big, healthy head.
Blanching Cauliflower
The heads are covered, or "blanched", for two reasons. Covering the heads
helps protect it from rotting. It also helps to produce the white color and
improve flavor.
Blanch the heads as soon as the curd gets 2-4 inches in diameter. This is
done by covering the head with the large leaves just below the head. Use
garden twine to tie the leaves loosely around the head. The object is to
protect the head from light and water, while letting air in. As the head
grows, loosen and re-tie the leaves, as necessary.
Harvesting Cauliflower:
Harvest your Cauliflower when the flower head is full, and the florets are
still tightly packed.
Timing of harvest is very important to taste. Food quality and taste
rapidly deteriorates as the flowerets begin to separate and open, and
as the head turns from a creamy white to brown.
Insects and Pests:
The most common pest of cauliflower is cabbage flies, and cabbage worm or
cabbage loopers. Cabbage loopers are the larva stage of a moth. Those white
moths that visit your garden and yard are the culprits. Some people call
them white butterflies.
Effective treatment in the home garden is to place a screen over the plant
so the moth can not lay her eggs. Commercial growers apply insecticides to
control them.
Disease:
The heads of the cauliflower is susceptible to rotting in warm, humid weather.
That's one of the two big reasons to protect the head (curd) from water.
Hardiness:
All members of the cabbage family like cool and even cold weather. They can
be among the first plants in your garden each spring. Start them indoors,
and plant them before the last frost, freeze or snow.
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