Cauliflower Growing Guide Brassica oleracea var. botrytis Crop Rotation Group Brassicas (Cabbage family) ● Soil Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Yes. Feeding Mix composted manure or another high-nitrogen compost into the soil before planting. When heads begin to form, feed with a liquid plant food. Spacing Single Plants: 50cm (1' 7") each way (minimum) Rows: 45cm (1' 5") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Sow mid to late spring, either direct into soil or in pots to plant out later if clubroot disease is a problem in your soil. Firm down well when planting out. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent cabbage root fly from destroying the roots. Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to prevent butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy these plants. Protect against birds which can damage the young seedlings and overwintering crops. Bend over a few leaves if required so that the cauliflower head is kept shaded while it is forming. Harvesting Harvest when the head has fully developed, but before the curd becomes loose, with a "ricey" appearance. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Cauliflower Aphid, Cabbage Aphids (General) Cabbage Moth Cabbage Root Fly Cabbage White Butterfly Diamondback Moth Flea Beetle Slug Snail Plant Diseases which Affect Cauliflower Brassica Alternaria Leaf Spot Brassica Black Rot Brassica Club Root Brassica Downy Mildew Cabbage Soft Rot
