[Allotment Jon]

Last year I planted a row of cauliflowers and did not net them. The leaves grew fine however the important bit in the middle failed to appear.

This year I did them all over again and covered in netting to be safe. They are now about 10" tall but no hearts that I can see.

Is there a pest that I have missed as the leaves look fine, no sign of pests such as caterpillar's or is it too early for the middle bits to show.

[jaydig]

What variety are they?  Is it possible that the ones you have planted will not produce curds until after Christmas, or as late as early spring?

[Allotment Jon]

Just found the label and they are White Excel.

I only bought them because they were reduced at my local garden centre.

I guess it is always best to carry out a bit of research as to what are the best verity's to grow beforehand.

[jaydig]

Apparently with White Excel it depends when they are sown.  If you sowed the seed around May time they won't make curds until the autumn.