Growing Cauliflower
Due primarily to the economic importance of crops in the mustard family, including common garden vegetables in the genus Brassica such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, books and articles addressing issues related to growing one or a group of brassica species remain fairly easy to access.
Gardeners often organize their brassica growing tips in broad terms in order to remember growing guidelines suited to a handful of different species.
Cauliflower, like the other more common brassica species, gets listed as a cool weather crop, easily grown year round in many locations.
The general form of the common brassica species, i.e., large stalk plants with flowering heads or florets, suggests that applications of organic phosphorus and potassium nutrients, following the plant's early vegetative phase, will help optimize the plant's final yield.
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Cauliflower usually does not rank among the easiest growing vegetables, many gardeners report getting the hang of it over time.
Starting with soil, cauliflower grows best in sunny, well-drained soil with a pH level between 6 and 7.5.
Adding compost to the soil helps promote healthy growth.
Indoor Seed Germination Tip: Starting cauliflower plants indoors from seed often works in areas with frost. As a cool weather vegetable, successful cauliflower seed germination temperature ranges between 70oF and 80oF. Seed strain choice and climactic conditions influence optimal seed germination temperatures.
Once germinated, and under proper growing conditions, cauliflower seedlings will hardily grow indoors for 4-6 weeks.
When concern for frost diminishes, it's time to put the young plants into the ground.
| Nutrition Tip 1c raw chopped cauliflower: 51.6 mg Vitamin C Men 19+: 90 mg/day suggested Women 19+: 75 mg/day suggested Source: USDA |
Large variations in temperature and moisture during the growing season tend to upset the growing cycle. Make sure that the plant receives consistent water over time.
When the white heads of the plant begin to show, it's time to wrap the leaves around the heads to protect them. Harvest time is chosen when the heads reach a desired size.
© 2011-2012. Patricia A. Michaels