CAULIFLOWER Adona Lg 6 pk
$6.25
Strong, vigorous plants with beautiful, high quality 5” heads and a short harvest window in the spring and fall.
Well-domed compact heads with dense flavorful white curds that resist becoming fuzzy or ricey. Heads are well-protected; wrapper leaves are well suited to tying or the “break, fold and cover” method of blanching. Tolerant of bacterial soft rot and downy mildew.
63 days
$6.25
$6.25
Cauliflower Growing Tips
The head of a cauliflower is often referred to as the “curd,” which is the flowering stalk. Cauliflower grows best in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, between 50 and 70 degrees. There are many uses for cauliflower, both cooked and raw.
Planting
- Cauliflower grows best in well drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Prior to planting, prepare the soil by incorporating a good quality compost and a balanced fertilizer.
- Plants should be spaced 18” apart in rows that are 24” apart.
- Using an insect row cover supported on simple hoops is highly recommended to protect the plants from caterpillar damage. The cover prevents the adult moths from being able to reach the plants to lay their eggs. A light weight, insect row cover will work well, and there are many options available. Lengths of flexible PVC pipes or bent EMT conduit may be used to support the cover. Attach the cover with clamps. The row cover should be installed at planting in order to be most effective – those moths arrive very quickly!
Watering
Regular watering is essential in order for the plants to yield good quality heads. 1” of water per week is recommended. Drip irrigation is an effective and efficient way to irrigate vegetable crops because the water is delivered directly to the soil where it will be taken up by the roots. Drip irrigation also keeps water off of the foliage which will reduce the risk of disease development.
Maintenance
- Keep the planting well weeded. Using mulch, such as cocoa mulch, straw, untreated dry grass clippings or shredded leaves will suppress weed growth and help retain soil moisture.
- Blanching:
- Blanching is important when growing white varieties of cauliflower. When you notice the head beginning to form, gather the outer leaves and pull them over the head and tie them together with string. This will help protect the cauliflower as it develops and keep the curds white.
- Blanching is not required for cauliflowers with orange, green or purple heads, including Romanesco.
Harvesting
- The cauliflower may be harvested once it reaches a usable size. Make sure to harvest before the flower buds begin to open, while the curd is still compact and firm. Once the individual florets become visible, the quality will begin to decline.
- To harvest, cut the head above the soil line and remove most of the outer leaves.
- Cauliflower will store in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, cauliflower may be blanched and frozen, canned or pickled.
