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Post by bagpuss on Dec 17, 2016 13:14:01 GMT
I have decided to set myself a challenge next year, and try to grow some cauliflowers! I plan to grow them in one of the smaller raised beds at the bottom of the plot so they may get some shade from the shelter, although I know that despite this I will have to cover the developing curds with the outer leaves. What I am unsure of, is how tall the leaves grow to, as I will need to cover them with netting to try and keep pests off as best I can. Is there anyone who might be able to give me some tips please? Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thank you, and happy gardening! |
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Post by Ladygardener on Dec 18, 2016 7:16:36 GMT
bagpuss, I did manage to grow a couple of cauliflower years ago but most were decimated by caterpillars. From what I remember the crown forms in the middle of the rosette of leaves which come up from the ground on a fairly small stalk. They like plenty of sunshine although they also need a good bit of water when growing. Most articles I've read suggest starting off in modules then planting out after they've hardened off. This is a good site I think. www.quickcrop.co.uk/learning/plant/cauliflower
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Post by Rosefriend on Dec 18, 2016 10:35:30 GMT
I have only grown Cauli's once and was amazed as to how big the leaves grew to...not sure if it was normal but I seem to remember one or two that shot up to 2 feet on the outside!!! Perhaps my fault with the wrong fertilizer as the Cauli itself was really small....
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Post by bagpuss on Dec 18, 2016 11:04:37 GMT
Ladygardener, Rosefriend, thank you very much indeed, some really helpful info indeed. I'm not expecting huge success with them as I know they are tricky, but if I get something I will be very pleased. The variety I am trying is `all year round', and the packets suggest they are easy to grow, but we will see. I've sown a small number already, thankfully in modules as the link suggested, which are in the plastic growhouse and they are just up. Fingers crossed they make if through the winter.
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Post by Rosefriend on Dec 18, 2016 11:08:15 GMT
Ladygardener, Rosefriend, thank you very much indeed, some really helpful info indeed. I'm not expecting huge success with them as I know they are tricky, but if I get something I will be very pleased. The variety I am trying is `all year round', and the packets suggest they are easy to grow, but we will see. I've sown a small number already, thankfully in modules as the link suggested, which are in the plastic growhouse and they are just up. Fingers crossed they make if through the winter. Do let us know how you go bagpuss, there are so many new varieties on the market since I had a go years ago..think it 1995...quite a while!! |
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Post by bagpuss on Dec 18, 2016 16:12:41 GMT
I certainly will Rosefriend,. The thought of cauliflower cheese, amongst other things, using my own home-grown .... |
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Post by Barbara on Dec 19, 2016 13:08:47 GMT
3 Of us planted caulis this year 9 each, bagpuss, every single one went to seed. the news last week had an item about all the ones on farms were tiny things. so maybe just a bad year for them. |
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Post by Ron on Dec 20, 2016 11:08:14 GMT
It's years since I tried to grow cauliflowers and they didn't work out so I'm no expert, but I have been told that they need constant attention. Any check to their growth will stop the heads forming properly resulting in them being small.
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