Cauliflower

Here are my tips for growing great cauliflower:

Site, soil type:

Cauliflower needs very fertile soil.  Plant in excellent soil to give this fussy child its best chance of success.     It likes moisture and coolness.

Plant after a legume for extra nitrogen.

Planting requirements:

Start indoors 4-5 weeks before planting outside.  Older plants will be too checked  in growth for good performance.

Harden off plants carefully.

Plant outside after temperatures won’t go below 45 degrees.

Set transplants 1” deeper in the ground than they were in the container.

Grow very attentively from seed to harvest.  Any interruption in optimal conditions (cold, heat, drought) can abort the development of a nice head.

Nutrition/Fertilizer needs:

Add ¼ to ½ cup of complete organic fertilizer per plant.

Foliar feed with kelp meal tea for extra nutrition.

Water needs:

It’s thirsty.   Keep soil wet constantly.   Adequate moisture promotes mild flavor.

Other tips:

Aromatic herbs planted nearby will deter cabbage worms.

A lightweight row cover will exclude cabbage worms.

Use Bt for the elimination of cabbage worms.

Create a Bt bait by mixing wheat bran into Bt.  Add 1 tablespoon of molasses.  Spread around the base of plants.

Too much heat or nitrogen can cause ricey heads.   

Purple and orange cauliflowers aren’t as fussy as white.