General information and discussion about cultivating all other edible garden plants.
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December 5, 2018 | #1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 3,194
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What do I need to know to grow cauliflower?
I've never grown cauliflower, but plan to in spring 2019. My mother tells me it'll be so buggy as to be inedible. True? How does one cope with the bugs? Other advice for me? What happens if I don't have a sunny enough place for it? (I can promise it 5 hrs sun/day.) It will be growing in deep, well-rotted grass/leaf compost.
Thanks, Nan |
December 5, 2018 | #2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ohio
Posts: 4,350
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It doesn't do well in extreme heat. some needs blanched by its own leaves. other newer varieties don't. you also will want to either cover it with floating row cover to keep the worms off of it or dust Bt on it which is an all natural organic spray or powder to keep the eggs from hatching and developing into caterpillars. the eggs will hatch but one bite of the bt makes them think they are full and never eat again eliminating the mess on your heads. we use a liquid but most likely you will find a powder more readily than a liquid form.
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carolyn k |
December 5, 2018 | #3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 3,194
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Is BT better than DE?
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December 6, 2018 | #4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Near Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 1,940
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I'll be interested to hear your (and others) experience, Nan. I've had problems with cauliflower pinning (forming small heads prematurely) as a result of stress early in the season. Temperature and moisture swings and transplanting shock seem to be drivers. In the years I get around those issues, summer heat comes on so early and strongly here in the SE corner of PA that the plants just seem to lose steam and never head well. Don't let all that dissuade you, but just a few things to watch out for! Good luck!
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December 6, 2018 | #5 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ohio
Posts: 4,350
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Bt is a bacteria. it is not DE which is a natural abrasive which makes microscopic abrasions on the soft bodies causing them to dehydrate to death. Bt is a product they digest causing death. I would use the Bt any day over the DE for results. We use liquid along with a spreader sticker to keep it on the plant. otherwise dew will cause the product to bead up and roll off.
https://www.planetnatural.com/bacillus-thuringiensis/
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carolyn k |
December 6, 2018 | #6 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Southeastern PA
Posts: 1,420
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I have grown cauliflower successfully in PA several times but each time it was a variety called Amazing. I have had failure with other varieties. They just do not head well.
I use floating row covers on a wire frame and I have no bug issues, otherwise the cabbage butterflies will find your plants almost instantly and lay eggs. I grow cabbage under those frames too. Last edited by brownrexx; December 7, 2018 at 08:59 AM. Reason: corrected variety name from Incredible to Amazing |
December 6, 2018 | #7 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Sunol, CA
Posts: 2,723
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When I see posts like the one above, I go searching for the "like" button!!
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December 6, 2018 | #8 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Vancouver Island Canada BC
Posts: 1,253
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A double like from me as they are $8.00 each here right now,$6.99 on sale!
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December 6, 2018 | #9 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Southeastern PA
Posts: 1,420
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Thanks, they were quite delicious. Totally organic and no bugs. Definitely would cost at lease $8 each in my store.
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December 6, 2018 | #10 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: north central B.C.
Posts: 2,310
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Grow all of my brassicas (except for kale) just like brownrexx. No buggy problems!
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"He who has a library and a garden wants for nothing." -Cicero |
December 6, 2018 | #11 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 3,194
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Thank you all for the knowledge!
Will there be any problem with 5 hrs. of sunlight? Will the shade help in hot weather? |
December 6, 2018 | #12 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Southeast Kansas
Posts: 878
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Another thing that will help is to get it in as early as the weather will allow.
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December 6, 2018 | #13 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Southeastern PA
Posts: 1,420
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Your cauliflower should be harvested before the weather gets too hot. I plant my seedlings in middle to late March. I don't know exactly how much sun they need but it's certainly worth a try. Get that variety called Amazing if you can. It has been the most reliable variety with the best heads that I have grown.
Last edited by brownrexx; December 7, 2018 at 08:58 AM. Reason: corrected variety name from Incredible to Amazing |
December 6, 2018 | #14 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Near Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 1,940
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Yes, that head looks "Incredible!" Great job, brownrexx !
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December 6, 2018 | #15 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 3,194
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Can the seedlings tolerate frost?
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