Cauliflower

Plant family

Crucifers (Brassicaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Heavy (clay)

Nutrient requirement

High

Plant distance

50 cm

Row spacing

50 cm

Seeding depth

1.5 cm

Instructions

Beginning of March

Harden

Mid of March

Weeding

Every week

Mid of March

Pest protection

Mid of March

Planting

End of March

Fertilizing

Every two Weeks

Beginning of April

Cover

Description

Cauliflower is quite a demanding crop from the cruciferous family - closely related to broccoli. The varieties differ in head shape and color (white, yellow, green, purple), and whether the leaves cover the head or not. The edible parts of the plant are the closed and thickened inflorescences. Typically planted in the spring and harvested in the summer, but fall and winter cultivation is also possible. Winter cauliflower varieties can tolerate frosts as low as -12 degrees, so they can remain on the bed through the winter. They are ready for harvesting from April. However, cultivation is recommended only in mild regions. A variant of cauliflower is Romanesco.

Growing tips

Prefers humusy, calcareous, deep, slightly heavier soil in a sunny location. An even supply of water and nutrients is important during growth. When planting seedlings, the soil should be moist and you should water the seedlings well. The inflorescences can be cut off with a short stalk for harvesting. Cauliflower can be harvested well into the winter as it can withstand sub-zero temperatures. However, the plants will still be happy if you cover them with fleece. For early varieties, it is a good idea to pre-grow the plants indoors. If your soil is not very calcareous, liming is recommended to reduce susceptibility to cabbage blight.