Cauliflower

Cauliflower is closely related to broccoli, one difference between the two plants being that cauliflower heads are white, rather than green.

You can grow cauliflower in most kinds of soil as long as you make sure that the soil is in good condition.

Soil should be kept well-drained, moist and well-fertilized.

Do not apply fresh manure. If manure was not already applied for a previous crop, apply decayed manure.

If you apply too much manure, the cauliflower heads will be too soft.

You can also add bone meal and potassium sulfate, and potassium nitrate if the soil is very poor.

Cauliflower seeds can be sown three times during the year - in September, in February or March, and again in April.

When sowing cauliflower seeds in September, sow them thinly, in a cold frame, and cover them lightly.

Once the seeds are watered, keep the frames closed until the seeds have germinated. You can raise the frames at one end to let in air. Close them after you have done this to keep out frost.

In February, you can sow seeds in a cold frame or in a glasshouse. If using a cold frame, you might want to place a hotbed inside it.

You can sow seeds outside in April.

Sometimes, you may need to transplant seedlings.

If you planted in September, you may have to move your seedlings to different frames.

Cauliflowers that were planted in glasshouses in February may need to be moved to temporary cold frames.

In May, you will probably have to transplant those cauliflowers that were sown out of doors in April into beds that have been specially prepared them.

Some people who grow cauliflower like to transplant seedlings into three-inch pots and then place the pots in frames or in cool glasshouses over the winter. This encourages the plants to grow fibrous roots.

Your cauliflowers can be planted out beginning in March.

When planting out, place your cauliflowers 15 inches apart each way.

You may mix them up with lettuce plants, in which case you can place your cauliflowers in rows that are two feet apart.

You can plant out later crops in June or July, placing them about 2 feet apart each way.

During dry weather, you may have to puddle your cauliflower plants - place them in holes filled with water.

Be sure to stir the soil frequently in order to create mulch.

As soon as a white head begins to show on a cauliflower, break a leaf over it to protect the head form the rays of the sun and to keep it clean.

Cut the heads of cauliflowers at least twice a week. Make sure to cut the heads while they are still young.

Try to cut the heads early in the morning while the plants are still covered with dew.