[Waynestrout]

For the second year running my cauliflower have bolted (i think that's the right word, when they become small long shoots and the white bit goes all fluffy). This is well before they've reached anything like full size.

Any suggestions of things I might do differently?? It's really frustrating; I ehought I waws looking after them so well.

Any thoughts???

[richyrich7]

I'm not much good with brassicas but I have found that you need to "heel" them well in as they like firm soil. Do you do this ?

[PAULW]

WAYNE
The reason the cauli has bolted is that you left it to long before you cut it, once the flower has appeared that is it, that is all you are going to get, they will grow no more. Summer cauli's can be very difficult, brassica's need a lot of water at the right time if you allow them to dry out for some reason they will panic and go to flower, the earlier they go to flower the smaller the flower, try growing winter cauli's there is less chance for them to suffer from the heat and dry although last year my winter cauli's all appeared two months early because of the dry autumn down here.

[johnhar]

they do need firm ground and planting deep ( up to the first leaf ) & try to use a vatiety that suits your area. round bristol way the grow a lot of all year round and for mid summer ( thats what this time of the year is supposed to be ) they sow the seed in mid march, then sow at 21 day intervals so that they can be harvested right up to Christmas it takes about 150 days sowing to harvest
hope this helps

[Waynestrout]

Thanks all for the responses. I have to say I probably planted them too high and didn't water them at the right time. My lotties on a slope and has a clay base; I'm continually being told not to "overwater" as it'll blight the potatos and tomatos below them. Makes you fear watering at any stage.

Just about to attempt some more to do the Christmas thing. Deeper, firmer and water that's for me!!!

Cheers again

WAYNESTROUT

[DD.]

I'm continually being told not to "overwater" as it'll blight the potatos and tomatos below them.

Given that blight is primarily airborne I don't see how it will affect them.

[Waynestrout]

The person I got thet from can be prone to just a "little" negativity!!!! I'll ignore in future and water as I wish - thanks DD

[DD.]

We do see a few 'Old Husband's' tales on here

I fact when it comes to blight, rain can be more damaging than the watering can or hosepipe as it brings the spores down out of the air.