[weirdsowing]

Before winter around October I bought some cauliflower plants to put in my new raised beds, we put a poly tunnel over them for protection over the winter then replaced with netting and  they have grown into monster plants with nice healthy leaves but no curd - Is it now time to give up on them and use the bed for something else? 

[Yorkie]

I don't know, but hopefully someone will be along who has grown caulis before and can answer your question.  Do you know what variety they are?

[Aunt Sally]

What variety are they ?

[sonnycbr]

All brassicas need firm soil for them to develop properly. You mention planting them in a raised bed...was the soil firmed down prior to planting?  If not, I would guess that this could be the source of your problems. I'd eat the leaves and try again.

[weirdsowing]

I am not sure what variety they were I will look for the label when I am able, just recovering had an angiogram done yesterday.
 

[Lady Rosemary]

I am not sure what variety they were I will look for the label when I am able, just recovering had an angiogram done yesterday.
 

An angiogram?  Good grief, do take care. 

I'm also having a go at cauliflowers this year and have planted 2 of my 6 in the polytunnel for comparison.  I'd also be very interested what advice you get - anything to help us grow a healthy cauli! 

[weirdsowing]

Had a gentle walk to the allotment this morning and the label just said cauliflower which should have large white curds! I think I will give them two more weeks.

[mumofstig]

Have they had/got loads of aphids on the growing point..........this can turn them blind, so they never make curds

[weirdsowing]

No aphids or any other pests, its a puzzle.

[twilight]

I had the same thing last year.  Loads of foliage and no curds.  Until some-one told me they needed lots of feeding.  So I put some chicken pellets in water for a few days and poured the sludge around the roots.  Terrible pong for a couple of days but 2 weeks later and curds started and grew to a ripe old size.  Had caulies coming out of my ears.  No - one else on the whole allotment had been able to grow them and this was my first year.  I was really chuffed.  But I may have put them in later than you as only planted mine out this year about 3-4 weeks ago so they are only about a foot high at the moment.

[sunshineband]

Thank you for that twilight -- the curds on mine are very small right now so I shall feed 'em up 

[Thephoenix572]

No curds on mine yet either. Is it more time more watering feeding or what? Again no aphids and lots of leaves

[weirdsowing]

Had another look at my cauliflowers and decided to give them a good feed and leave them for another couple of weeks as they look so healthy. Will let you know if any curds develop.

[mashbintater]

Up until a week or so ago, I couldn't see any heads on my Andes caulis. I planted them out on 29th March. They're forming beautifully now, so hang in there Weirdsowing.

I curled the leaves over & held them with clothes pegs to prorect them from the elements. With a bit of luck if the slugs keep off, a lovely Sunday roast coming up 

Mash.

[cooperman]

Cauli's are gross feeders so plenty of muck the YEAR before and then a good handful of growmore and/or seaweed feed, also a foliar feed does some good too.
Make sure the ground is nice and firm as previous replies have indicated.

Cauli's are probably THE hardest veg to get right, it took me years of trial and error to get a good result.