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Growing Cauliflowers successfully.

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There was a plea for help about this, which seems to have disappeared.
The secret of growing Cauliflowers successfully is to remember they are seasonal, and like a rich soil.
Study the different varieties. Grow only a little seed of the one you select. It will keep 4 years.
Horse manure is the most nutritious. People who own horses are only too glad to get rid of it. I drive 15 miles, bringing back 6 compost bags full in the car.
This time of year its dry and easier to lift, and dig in.
I am marking out a ‘Cauliflower area’ for 2012 season,
digging in bags and bags of horse manure now. Also lime. When putting the plants out, put a piece of Rhubard under each plant to deter Clubroot.
Find ‘Leamington’ stands the winter best but needs plenty of room. Also ‘Maystar’. ‘Igloo’ is small, matures early but succumbs to the first freeze-up in November, so needs fleece cloches, and careful watching.
Cover with fruit netting over hoops or wood frames if possible to protect from Pigeons and Magpies.
I have seen a large field out in the Fens, covered with huge Cauliflowers, thats where the good ground is. So we have to emulate the conditions as best we can.
Good luck, keep trying !

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Comments

 

Thanks for this info Diane, I have never been able to grow a decent Cauli before. Put it on favourites for reference.

6 Sep, 2011

 

I gave up trying years ago because I could never get them to have a good heart before they bolted...Thanks Diane might give them another go next year...

6 Sep, 2011

 

Only too pleased to have helped. Cauliflowers are just a different vegetable, and need understanding.
Good luck with finding the horse manure !

6 Sep, 2011

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