![]() Use an organic fungicide labeled for clubroot.įlea Beetles: Visual symptoms are tiny holes in leaves. Fungus creates exaggerated tap and secondary roots which infect soil with spores as they decay. Spreads below soil from other infected weeds or cabbage family members. Hand pick them off or use an organic insecticide labeled for cabbage loopers.Ĭlubroot: Causes wilted plants. Use an organic fungicide labeled for blackleg.Ĭabbage looper: Look for white moths near plants. Caused by wet weather or overhead watering and spores. Control by strong spray of water (our Bug Blaster Spray Nozzle works great), beneficial insects, or an organic insecticide labeled for aphids.īlackleg: Appears as brown to yellow spots on leaves with graying centers. Use an organic fungicide labeled for Alternaria leaf spot.Īphid: usually found on the underside of leaves or on flower head. Spores borne by soil and wind and equipment may spread. Common Pests & DiseasesĪlternaria leaf spot: Spots with black to brown margins no lower leaves, which will progress to yellowing and leaf drop. Cut stems, leaving a ruffle of leaves around head to help extend the quality and store in a refrigerator. Heads reach 6–8” in diameter, but make sure to harvest before flowering. Harvest cauliflower heads when they are tight. Only do this to the white cauliflower varieties such as Snowball colored varieties need sun to develop the full color. To get the white cauliflower curds (head), you can encourage blanching by gathering the outer leaves over the head and tie with a string or rubber band. Drip irrigation should be used and no overhead watering (can lead to disease). Uneven watering can cause stress to the plant and lead to undersized heads. Cauliflower needs uninterrupted growth, so provide consistent water, a balanced fertilizer and protection from pests and disease. Bury the plants to the first true leaf in well-drained soil and space plants about 18” apart and 25” between each row. Transplanting: Transplant out when seedlings have at least 4–6 true leaves and soil temperatures are 60☏ (danger of frost has past if planting in the spring). ![]() Snowball variety can be planted in August for a fall harvest. Romanesco (planted in July) will be ready to harvest in the fall, the purple variety will be ready to harvest the following spring (more cold tolerant plant). Keep soil moist and protect from pests with a light rowcover such as Agribon AG15. Sow seed ¼–½” deep and cover with loose soil or compost as not to hinder emergence. Summer Planting: Direct seed cauliflower in July –August. ![]() Sow seed ¼–½” deep in a soilless seed starting mix ( Quickroot). Spring planting: Start indoors about 5 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors. Planting & GrowingĬauliflower is a cool season crop and can be sown in spring or late summer (Romanesco is best to plant in the summer for a fall harvest). Use mulch protect shallow root system from damage and to retain adequate moisture. Water Requirements: Water needs to be consistent and plentiful for head formation. Companions - Radish, cucumber, chard, broccoli, beets, onions, sage, thyme.Incompatibility - Peas, strawberries, tomatoes.Spacing: Cauliflower seeds should be planted 15–24” apart with rows spaced 24–36” apart. A rough estimate is around one to two pounds per plant. Yield: Varies widely depending on variety as well as weather and water availability. Seed Longevity: If properly stored, the seeds should be viable for about 4 years. Try growing cauliflower in some of our Peaceful Valley Organics Potting Soil it is an excellent, organic all-around mix.Īir Temperatures: When growing cauliflower, the air temperature should be around 75☏ and no lower then 25☏. Soil: Cauliflower prefers a soil pH between 6–7 and temperatures of 60–65☏ for germination (will tolerate temperatures between 50–80☏) which drains well and has plenty of organic matter. Snowball is reliable strain that is heavy yielding. Firm, pure white heads with large protective leaves. Traditional (Snowball): The most common type of cauliflower grown. Romanesco is best planted in July-August for a fall harvest. Romanesco: A cross with a broccoli variety forming a vivid light green spiraled head. It is best to plant purple cauliflower in July-August for a spring harvest. It has a sweeter flavor tending towards broccoli. Purple cauliflower has the highest disease resistance. Purple: Large purple heads that change to green when cooked. Both the stem and flowers are consumed and are sweeter than traditional forms. ![]() Hybrid.įlowering (Fioretto, Karifurore): White flowering heads on stems that do not form a ball head. Add a pop of color to your meal coloration becomes brighter when cooked. Cheddar: Orange heads similar to the traditional white variety, but higher in nutritional value.
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