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9 - Cauliflower

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Varieties
  • Amazing
  • Twister
Disease and Pest Notes

Adhere strictly to a preventive program including: (1) long crop rotations with non-brassica crops, (2) clean starting mixes and outdoor seedbeds, and (3) strict sanitation practices. Johnny’s Selected
Seeds only sells seed lots of broccoli that have tested negative for black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) and black leg (Phoma lingam).

Repel flea beetles and root maggots on young seedlings by covering with floating row covers from day of planting. Treat flea beetles with insecticides such as pyrethrin or azadirachtin if heavy pressure is observed. For cabbage worms and loopers, use Bacillus thuringiensis. Cutworm prevention: Cultivate soil 2–4 weeks before planting to work in cover crops and destroy weeds.

Prevent flea beetle damage by applying floating row cover at planting. Flea beetles can also be controlled with insecticides such as azadirachtin or pyrethrin. Cabbage worms can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis. Prevent disease with crop rotation and good sanitation.

Mulch Type
Wood chips after planting | Compost mulch | Plastic bio mulch
Propagation
Seed
Life cycle
Soil block size
1/4" - pot up to 2"
Light requirements and depth
1/4 - 1/2 inch deep or cover with vermiculite.
Seed germination temperature
Optimal soil temperature for germination is 65-75°F, but broccoli will germinate as low as 50°F.
Heat mat temp
70
Cool germination details
65-75°F
Culture and fertilization requirements

Cauliflower prefers a well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter, a pH of 6.0–7.5 with consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Irrigate regularly for best results. Cauliflower does not do well in hot weather; the best success is with spring and fall crops.

Successful cauliflower crops can be grown where winters are mild (temperatures rarely below 32°F (0°C)). Transplants can be set out from September to February in these regions.

Succession interval - maximum
21
Harvesting details

Before flower buds open, cut center head. Hydrocool or ice as soon as possible. Harvest secondary side shoots regularly to encourage continued production.

Current Seed Start & Transplant Dates

Note: Seed starting and transplant dates do not always correlate one to one with dates shown below. Note correct start and expected transplant dates on the tag of the tray for seed germination. Adjust dates with plant tags on a yearly basis if necessary. 8 ounces of fertilizer is about 1 cup. Consider Sustane various NPK and Alfalfa Meal or Blood Meal for nitrogen.

Seed Start to Transplant Days 28 - 42
Days to Maturity after Transplant 30 - 50
Days to Maturity Total 68
Succession Interval 21 - 28
Number of Plantings per Season 2 Spring | 3 Fall
Number of Transplants per Plant Date 8 ( 2 - 4 per variety )
Square Feet of Bed Space per Plant Date 18
Linear Feet of Bed Space per Plant Date 6
Spring Expected Harvest Date Range 04/05 to 07/01
Fall Expected Harvest Date Range 11/24 to 02/15
Athens
Franklin


Transplant Details: 18" - 24" grid

Direct Sow Dates ( if any )

Seed Saving

Polination Type
Insect Pollination.
Seed Collection
Dig plants and overwinter for brassica's. Replant in early spring. Plants flower by summer. In our area removing and replanting might not be necessary if temps don't get below 28°. Row cover or greenhouse can help.
Seed Viability Years
3 years
Seed Cleaning and Storage
Pull entire plants when most pods are brown and hang upside down in warm dry place. Place catch underneath. Flail and crush pods - small seeds.
Isolation Requirements
All Brassicas cross-pollinate. Bag plants. 1 mile distance if not bagging. Several plants in each bag as they require more than 1. Introduce pollinators into bags.

Variety Details

Variety Name
Amazing
Variety Description
For late summer and fall. Medium-size plants with domed, solid curds and self-blanching, upright wrapper leaves when well fed. Tolerant to both heat and cold stress.
Seed Type
Open Pollinated
Seed Vendors
Johnny's | 100 - $5.15
Variety Name
Twister
Variety Description
Superior wrap and adaptability. The big, heavy, well-domed heads have large wrapper leaves that protect them from the sun, resulting in excellent color and head quality. Twister performs well in summer and fall in the Northeast and Midwest, from late June through late October in Coastal California, and in desert areas in the winter. A great complement to Mardi.
Seed Type
Hybrid
Seed Vendors
Johnny's | 100 - $5.15
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