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How to Grow Cauliflower

Index

  • Sowing Instructions
  • How to Transplant
  • Crop Maintenance
  • How to Harvest
  • Storage
  • Pests & Diseases

Sowing Instructions

  • Sowing Time: Sow any time of year
  • Can sow in spring (March to May) for a summer harvest
  • Can sow in late summer (August / September) for a winter harvest
  • Can sow early January to February Indoors under glass
  • Stagger sowing times to allow for a continued harvest
  • Sowing Location: Indoor grown seeds can be sown in 9cm pots
  • Using potting compost, fill pot & soak
  • Sow 3 seeds per pot & thin once seedlings emerge

How to Transplant

  • Transplant seedlings once they have developed 4 or 5 true leaves
  • True leaves are leaves which develop after seedling's seed leaves
  • Position in rows 45cm apart
  • You can plant seedlings close together but later thin to 45cm apart
  • Do not plant too deeply or overcrowd cauliflower
  • Soil: Cauliflower grows best in partial shade, but happy in full sun also
  • Firm, fertile and free draining soil is ideal
  • Dig over the soil in autumn removing any stones and weeds while working in well rotted manure or compost
  • Add lime if soil is too acidic, ideal ph between 6.5 to 7.5

Crop Maintenance

  • Keep watered to ensure continuous growth
  • As the plants grow, earth up soil around the plants stems to support plants & prevent wind damage

Harvesting

  • Water well the week before harvest
  • Harvest when the flower shoots are firm and well formed
  • Cut close to ground level with a sharp knife

Storage

  • Cauliflower can be stored long term in a freezer
  • Simply boil for 3 minutes, place in ice water, drain and put into freezer containers

Pests & Diseases

  • Pests: Cabbage greenflies
  • Damage: Attacks young plants
  • Good idea to plant celery nearby to repel cabbage butterfly
  • Other pests and diseases include caterpillars, pigeons, snails & slugs

 

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