Kitchen Garden Forum

I planted out some snowball cauliflowers,1st attempt,only 3 have curds,decent size,not one of the others have anything.Can anyone tell me what went wrong,do I wait and hope or dig them out and plant something ealse?

I would wait, they do seem to spread a little over the season.

One little trick I use, not sure if there is any scientific basis for it, is if there leaves in the center of the plant are starting to twist in on themselves then I think they will start to form a curd. Same seems to go for certain cabbage as well.

Keep them moist though.

Jerry

I've had some degree of success with caulis [All the Year Round] on a Bedford allotment which the Italians have found unsuitable for growing them. I sow them in June in pots or modules and plant out in July/August. I keep the plants well mulched after the first drink, with shredded paper or leaf-mould; I'll use straw this year.

I make sure that they go into a bed where there have been broad beans and peas earlier in the year; otherwise I'll have sown a green manure earlier such as winter tares or clover.

Nice big curds in April / May. I have not yet tried sowing very early in the year for an autumn crop, but I may do so now that I have got a small greenhouse.

mike

Thanks both, if these come right I might attempt later ones next year,I went for earlies so if they were a disaster it would not be too late for a different crop.I have had a look in to the middle and some do indead have twisted leaves,some are just nice healthy leaves...can these be steamed and used as wraps I hate to waste them.,

Just one other point, cauli's don't like any check to their growth so keep them well watered. A good soaking down the roots once a week what ever the weather even if it rains. With all the foliage it very often doesn't get to the roots.

Beryl.

Checked today for curds,definatly begining in 4 more.If these spread over the season it is perfect for the amount we eat,is this because of this years weird weather or normal for this variety?

Helo Pillbug
Glad to hear that your caulis are beginning to do their stuff. Keep a careful eye on the curds as they form. Try to keep the curds within the leaves of the plant - if any get exposed then gently break the ribs of inner leaves and fold them over the developing head.

John

Silly question but why do I keep the curds covered-obviously to protect but is this sun ,rain or both?Also,I do sound demanding,how do ensure all the curds develope to a reasonable size?
Sorry but v.excited because all have little curds and someone told me after I`d transplanted them that they were difficult to grow,I`m still v grateful for advice because I would have dug them up and planted carrots.

Cover the curds to protect from the sun, they discolour.

Keep them very well watered to increase the size of the curds.

Jerry

Thank you, Sanders. I've personally never bothered to protect the curds, and their taste has not been affected, but yes, come to think of it, they have become slightly discoloured some of them. I only plant in August for spring maturing, so the issue of sun is not such a problem as for summer/autumn maturing caulis.

mike

I have had sucess covering mine with those fleece hats that the nurses wear in operating theatres (sadly my supply has run out or i would have posted you a few), but anyone in the catering business should also be able to get them, keeps all sorts off.

mandy

Two more caulies to come all but one,which bolted have been small but perfect and as predicted have spread themselves over the season which suites our use so will be growing again next year.I work in theatres and had not thought of nicking theatre hats,breaking the leaves over was quick and works well.