[herbiegrowsbananas]

Hiya

I was too scared to grow cauliflowers because everyone said they are notoriously hard to grow. My question is, what is it that makes them hard to grow?

Anyway, I decided to be brave  and started off a packet of All The Year Round cauliflowers and Romanesco cauliflowers in the greenhouse a couple of weeks ago and they are coming on well.

So, when does it all go pearshaped   ?

Thanks
Herbie

[Sharonx]

Apparentley when they go to curd, this is when problems begin. I can honestly say that I grew some absolute beauties & had everyone coming over and asking the secret. & there wasn't one, I just plonked them in and let them do their own thing, and pegged the leaves up to stop the sun getting to them. Beginners luck I expect, so go and give it a go, you may just be surprised! Good luck 

[mumofstig]

I think the answer lies in the soil 

[8doubles]

With me and the Romanesco they are just about ready and the first frost sends them slimy. I have managed white caulis as big as your fist but nothing like the size the commercial guys seem to find easy.

[Runwell-Steve]

Not much worked too well for me last year but my caulis were ace,  I just planted them and left them to it really, the heads were a good 8 inches across which was plenty for me and the misses.

[Aidy]

I never had a problem with cauli's and according to the books I should. As mumsie says its in the soil, I have very sandy soil and they don't like it, well according to the books anyway. Just make sure you have compacted the soil well, I then dig a hole and fill with my own compost, again compact it, pop your cauli in and keep well watered, when the curds start to form keep them watered.
Here is a couple from last year.. (all year round)


(graffiti)

[boosh]

Aidy i thought i did well with my caulis last year, but compared to yours they were pathetic. they are first class. well done

[DavidT]

As Aidy says ( and has proved ) you need to compact the soil. Cauliflowers , literally, need soil which is like concrete. If you have a lawn roller, then run it over your Cauli bed. Failing that, walk up and down the area several times.

[Flump]

wow!those are very impressive!

[herbiegrowsbananas]

Wow! They are very impressive caulis!

I've had part of my allotment ploughed / ridged, so as long as I compact it down well, they should be OK...?

How big were they when you transplanted them?

Thanks 

Herbie

[kingston boy]

I have quite good Caulis and i think that by having really firm soil and a feed of Sulphate of Ammonia just as the head is swelling does it for me. Waiting for one named Patriot at present.

[Kristen]

Even if you grow them perfectly their harvest season (in Summer time at least) is short - perhaps two weeks - so growing a whole row tends to only be useful if you have time, and inclination, to freeze them (or "soup them" I suppose ...)

I sow 4 each fortnight, raise then in small pots, and plant out when they are ready - which is quite lot more faffing about then just sowing a row of seed (and which may contribute to them not being suitable for beginners?)

[Steve.B]

I had good ones last year fist time ever! this year they are breaking before they form a head but we still use them.
Is this down to lack of water as I remember last Summer was wet?

[Christo]

I'm trying some for the first time as well this year so this is all very interesting. Let's compare pictures & notes in a few months Herbie.

[flitwickone]

my first year ive just picked my 1st 12 cauilis for freezing as they were about to bolt due to the heat im well happy with them


i agree with the above planting proceedure lime in autum and when you plant out water the hole so they sit up when they go in... and then stamp the earth till its rock solid... put a circle of BFB around the plant..... then water if and when needed  my first year and i picked some beauties

so good luck all