Recalcitrant Brassicas

It comes to something when one of my main daily focuses is on the varying progression of the cauliflowers in my raised bed and the veg patch!  This is because cauliflowers are notoriously difficult to grow apparently ... well, notorious within the annals of those that already seem to know these kind of things.  Both Geoff (Hamilton) and Monty (Don) highlight the complexities of growing these recalcitrant Brassicas!

Cauliflower is a little tricky because it has a long growing season, and it prefers it a little cool,

Cauliflower also likes quite high humidity.

Cauliflower doesn't like it too hot or too cold, so needs to be started early enough to have it mature by the hot temperatures of summer, but late enough so that it doesn't get too cold.  The ideal temperature range is about 18 to 26.5 degrees Celsius (65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).

In order to get white-headed curds, cauliflower must have the right temperature, but most plants must also be blanched, or have the stalks bent so that the outer leaves come up and over the top of the head, covering it.The leaves must be tied and stay this way until the head has matured.

Cauliflowers need a deep rich soil, ideally with some well-rotted manure dug in.

Cauliflower also needs a well compacted soil; roots and plants must be anchored in, so firm soil is very important.

Cauliflowers are water-thirsty.

Along with correct growing conditions, cauliflower is also susceptible to bugs, such as cabbage worms, cabbage white caterpillars, cabbage white-fly and disease.such as club root.

BUT.... despite all of the hurdles - look at what I harvested today!!

Pegs - very useful to clip the leaves together to protect the curds.