It has thick, oval leaves with pronounced midribs and veins.
The leaves and stem of cauliflower are both edible.
Cauliflower has a very distinct nuttiness and is similar to broccoli in flavor.
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Plant cauliflower in early spring for an early summer harvest or in midsummer for a fall harvest.
double-check toharden off your transplantsbefore setting them out in the garden.
Blanching Cauliflower
Cauliflower needs to be blanched to avoid discoloration, especially white varieties.
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Begin blanching the heads when they are about the size of a large egg.
Start the process when the plants are fully dry, to prevent rotting.
Hold them in place with a clothespin, rubber band or string.
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Don’t fit the leaves too tightly; block the light but leave room for the head to expand.
Soil
Cauliflower needs a soil rich inorganic matter, with a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Excellent drainage is key.
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Water
Cauliflower needs consistent moisture and plenty of it.
Without sufficient water, the heads will be stunted and turn bitter.
Temperature and Humidity
Cauliflower likes cool weather but is sensitive to frost.
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Mulch the plants at planting time to keep the soil cool and help retain moisture.
Fertilizer
Cauliflower is a heavy feeder.
Organic fertilizers are preferable because they wont cause nitrogen burn.
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Boron deficiency in the soil can cause hollow stems and discolored and deformed curds.
Standard White vs.
Colored Cauliflower
Orange cauliflowers have been bred from a genetic mutation that was discovered in 1970.
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The orange coloring comes from beta-carotene, the same source of orange in carrots.
Purple cauliflowershave been around for generations.
There are several heirloom varieties, such as the popular’Purple of Sicily', and some recent hybrids.
Marie Iannotti
Unfortunately, most purple vegetables lose their color when cooked, and purple cauliflower is not an exception.
Enjoy it raw for the best benefits.
WhetherRomanescois a broccoli or a cauliflower is still the subject of debate among horticulturalists.
Marie Iannotti
Harvesting
Cauliflower takes two to three months to mature.
Harvest when the heads reach the desired size and while the buds are still tight.
Don’t delay harvesting for too long, or the plants may bolt.
It is better to harvest the cauliflower when mature and freeze it for later use.
To prevent the plants from drying out, mist them lightly every day.
Stored this way, cauliflower keeps for up to a month.
How to Grow Cauliflower in Pots
Cauliflower is suitable to begrown in containers.
Fill the pot with well-draining potting mix.
Place the pots in a location with afternoon shade.
Cauliflower does not like extreme heat, and potted plants are especially exposed.
As cauliflower is grown as an annual, it wont need repotting.
Pruning
Remove any yellow or spotted leaves promptly to prevent the spread of diseases.
How to Grow Cauliflower from Seed
Cauliflower is propagated from seed.
Starting your own plants from seed gives you more choices than what your local nursery or garden center carries.
It also lets you pick the variety that fits your growing conditions and desired harvest time.
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
Row covers offer good protection against cabbage moth butterflies, which lay eggs on the plants.
Fencing or caging is the best deterrent against rodents.
Unfortunately, there is nothing you could do to stop it and rescue the plant.
Unlike broccoli, cauliflower only produces one compact head called a curd.
Unfavorable dry and hot conditions lead to stunted head growth and other problems.
Boron for Minnesota Soils.University of Minnesota Extension.
