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Vegetable Gardening

Cauliflower ? What to do?

nancyjane_gardener

last year

I don't think I've ever grown cauliflower before, but the hubby picked out some purple cauliflower to grow this year. The bed that it is in is pretty shaded, so we probably won't get much growth until spring, but I've heard when the sun starts hitting it you're supposed to wrap the large leaves around the C head so that it doesn't get fried?

Can you give me any other hints on purple cauliflower?

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HU-422368488

last year

last modified: last year

I'm trying out a couple of purple cauliflower this fall. I got them in containers and in the green house for the winter. I've never done purple C before so it's a learning experience for me too.

I usually grow white cauliflower in the spring.

Then when the heads start to form up I cup the leaves over and tie with a rubber band to keep the sun from from blanching the heads.

I haven't had much luck with fall cauliflower due to the hot temps hanging on into the fall plus drought in my locale.

But I keep trying. I got some white cauliflower growing now under low tunnels.

Cauliflower is the hardest of the brassicas to grow. it's very sensitive to temps. Can't have it too hot or too cold or it'll "button" and make little ricey heads.

Okie HU

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Comments (10)

daninthedirt (USDA 9a, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)
last year
https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=protect+cauliflower+sun
robert567
last year
I don't think there is any reason to wrap up purple cauliflower, wrapping is meant to keep white cauliflower light colored. You want the deep purple color.

Cauliflower likes mild weather, and I think in your climate you want it to grow all Winter, so shade is not ideal, since you want it heading before Summer.
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daninthedirt (USDA 9a, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)
last year
last modified: last year
That's a fair point. In fact, sunlight exaggerates the purple color, I believe. Anthocyanin. Low temperatures, as well as lots of sunlight help make it. Anthocyanins are also what makes berries purple.
vgkg Z-7 Va
last year
Back when I used to grow white Cali heads a simple clothspin worked well to clip 2 leaves over the top crown for good shading.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
last year
last modified: last year
“Cauliflower is the hardest of the brassicas to grow.”

Yes, worrying about sunburn is way down the line. If you get to that point with them you will already have done very well indeed.
nancyjane_gardener
Original Author
last year
I'm thinking that most of the growth will happen in early spring when the sun starts hitting that bed again. We shall see!
farmerdill
last year
Purple cauliflower or orange cauliflower are as easy to grow as the white. Those of us with hot summers must be constantly cognizant of planting times and DTM of variety. Purples tend to have a longer DTM and sometimes get caught in a heat wave. On the other hand no need to wrap or us other methods of blanching.
laceyvail 6A, WV
last year
Been gardening for over 50 years in a number of states and I've NEVER had luck with cauliflower. Quit trying some years ago.
nancyjane_gardener
Original Author
last year
Well, I'm in California, and in town, so not much frost, but some cold temps coming up! Unfortunately that bed doesn't get much sun during the winter. It will early spring, but we shall see if it's enough to get something before spring planting time for tomatoes etc!

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