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Cauliflower frustration

• Message 1. 

  Posted by Paul Hodder (U14288973) on Sunday, 5th December 2010

  For whatever reason I cannot grow a tidy cauliflower. The plant always remains small, the heads never develop and seem dirty, almost greyish. Pests seem to attack them even though they are netted. Cabbages do a little better. I do have the habit of close planting. Any help please.

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by ranrand (U14697749) on Monday, 6th December 2010

  Hi Paul,
  I think you have answered your own question. You need to leave at least 24" between summer flowering varieties and 30" between winter flowering ones to allow room for the plants to develop. Make sure the soil is firm around the roots too as this can affect the size of the head. Cauliflowers also need a deep fertile soil and regular watering during the growing season. Try to avoid any check to the plants' growth when planting out, firm the soil and water well. If your soil is acidic they will benefit from a dressing of lime too to bring the pH to around 6.5 to 7 but I seldom bother on my chalky soil.
  The greying you mention is normally caused by frost damage to the heads and can be avoided by bending the leaves surrounding the head over the top. If the leaves aren't long enough (and in my experience they seldom are) you can tuck fleece in around the heads to offer protection. Don't use polythene or bubble wrap as this can cause the flowers to rot.
  
  Hope this helps.

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