[canwickplot]

Anybody got advice on pricking out cauliflowers? I've posted a photo with a 5p piece for size reference.

Ta

[DD.]

Put each one into a 3" pot.  Grow on (outside) until about 6" tall, then plant in final positions.

[canwickplot]

Could I just yank them out of the tray?

[DD.]

No - you gently tease them out with a  knife or similar. You don't want to leave the roots behind!

[peapod]

Could I just yank them out of the tray?

Er nope! 

[canwickplot]

I thought there was some sort of implement involved - softly, softly ....

[canwickplot]

When potting on, is there any particular depth I should aim for?

[peapod]

Oh i see! the 'yank' was a worry 

You can use a teaspoon to move the seedling and the soil around the roots

[Spana]

They look as if they are in the ground, is that just the photo.  Anyway they dont look over crowded at the moment so whats the rush.  I would leave them to get a little bigger then put them straight into the ground .  Caulies need lots of room so give them about 2ft between plants and 3ft between rows.  Plant them deep, right upto the first leaves and firm them in well and water.  Cover with some sort of net for protection and keep the weed down around them.  I hoe in some pelleted chicken manure when they get going and they like nice rich ground.
let us know how you get on.

[DD.]

I'd still go with the 3" pots for each one.

Much easier to look after for the next few weeks in respect of protection & watering & have a much better chance  of making it if planted with a large root ball.

[peapod]

Im with DD on the pots (and John in his book says the same, and who am I to argue with the experts)

Advice re planting and netting from Spana is spot on  CP

[DD.]

I don't give them as much space as that.

Planted mine 18" apart in staggered rows 18" apart. Best caulis I've ever had this year, no need to weed & the dense foliage helped keep the moisture in the soil.

[peapod]

Ah..thats a great point. I never thought about the foliage keeping the moisture in with some of the hot weather we've had.  You did have a great crop and Ive got the same as you DD. I did plant mine 18" apart but I was very late so I can t see the effects yet

[SnooziSuzi]

I agree with PP and DD - pots or modules are the way to go as it means your ground is free for something else to grow in the meantime and you don't need to thin out as they are put into their final spacings.

This is the first year I've had sucess with caulis;  I sowed a variety called Mayflower and nearly pulled them all up for the hens to eat cos they were all cauli and no flower, but in the last 2 weeks they've really put some work in and have formed some fantastic white curds that taste great!

[peapod]

Pick em quick is my advice this year..my mate was getting ever so cocky about his and was waiting to see how big they would get.  He lost his within two days to bolting - from 18 perficks he got 3 for eating  I did warn him, honest!