Sow indoors from February 1st to March 10th for earliest crop.
Transplant about mid-April, 18 inches apart.
Weather conditions influence cauliflower growth more than any other
veggie.
Hot weather can destroy it with stem rot. A prolonged dry spell or use
of old plants will cause it to bolt or 'button up', where tiny curds
are formed before proper leaf development.
Excessively wet periods will cause buttoning also.
No heads are often the result of weather that is too hot.
Leafy curds result from high temps with drastic fluctuations between
day and night temps, or improper nitrogen imbalance.
Riceyness is caused by low temps just after planting or a late supply
of nitrogen to the plants.
Discolored heads are caused by sunlight exposure due to poor leaf
development during the vegetative stage, before curds are formed.
When transplanting, be certain the plants are between 4 to 5 weeks old
max!!!!
Seed may be planted directly in cold frames in May. Transplant June to
mid-June.
Organic fertilizer should be broadcast before transplanting. Heads
should be tied before reaching tea-cup size to insure proper
blanching.
Leaving the leaf-tying any longer only results in tearing of these
leaves, which not permit proper blanching of the head.
Tying at the small size will permit the tied leaves to also continue
to grow, still protecting the developing head beneath.
Days to maturity: 47 - 70
