Growing Hints for Cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of the more difficult members of the cabbage family to grow successfully in the home garden. They require rich soil, plenty of moisture and cool weather. It is usually best to start the plants indoors under lights, and move them out for planting in the cool of spring or autumn. Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C, but does not match broccoli in nutritional value.

When the heads begin to enlarge, they should be blanched (shielded from the sun) by tying the leaves together to cover the head or breaking a few upper leaves so that they prevent the head from being exposed to the sun. Watch the developing head carefully, checking it every single day, as the quality will deteriorate rapidly if it is left unharvested too long. Most varieties should be harvested when they are about six inches across. There is a Purple Head variety that does not need blanching and has a taste similar to broccoli. The same pests and diseases that attack broccoli and other cabbage family plants, may bother cauliflower.

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