Cauliflower

1. 1

   Choose by season

   Summer / autumn cauliflowers (Snowball, All The Year Round, Igloo mini): sow March–May, harvest July–November. Autumn / winter cauliflowers (Aalsmeer, Walcheren Winter, Galleon): sow July–August, harvest the following March–May. Different sowing windows; pick one type per bed.

2. 2

   Sow seed

   Modules at 12–15°C or a seedbed once soil is workable. Don't sow direct in cold wet soil; seedlings rot. Successional sowings every 3 weeks for continuous summer–autumn cropping.

3. 3

   Prepare firm rich soil

   Full sun, firm soil, slightly alkaline (lime if below pH 6.5). Fork in well-rotted compost. Cauliflowers are heavy feeders and hate poor soil.

4. 4

   Transplant when 10–15 cm tall

   60 cm apart for standard heading types, 30 cm for mini cultivars. Firm the soil hard around each plant; water in well. Choose a damp morning; don't transplant in dry heat.

5. 5

   Net against cabbage white

   From transplanting until October. Cauliflowers are top of the cabbage white menu; netting is non-negotiable.

6. 6

   Water consistently

   The single most important step. Cauliflowers need uninterrupted growth — any drought check (even 4–5 days dry) ruins the curd. Water deeply twice a week through July and August; mulch with grass clippings to hold moisture.

7. 7

   Tie outer leaves over the curd

   When the curd is the size of a tennis ball, tie 3–4 outer leaves loosely over it with twine. Excludes light, keeping the curd white and tender. For coloured cultivars (Romanesco, purple, orange) skip this step — colour development needs light.

8. 8

   Cut when curd is firm and tight

   Standard heads are ready when the curd is full size, firm, and still tightly packed. Once buds start to separate (ricing) the curd is going over. Cut early in the morning while the curd is cool; store in the fridge.

9. 9

   Net pigeons over winter (winter cauliflowers)

   For July-sown overwintering types, re-net against pigeons from October. They strip unprotected brassicas through winter.

Cabbage white caterpillars, mealy aphid, and clubroot all cause problems; needs netting.