Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
you won't have to disturb the roots when transplanting, but simply pop the
module out and plant it. All brassicas benefit from being planted quite deep,
right up to the level of the first seed leaves. Direct sowing is not recommended in
the tunnel unless you are certain the area is absolutely slug-free.
Growing
When the plants reach 10cm (or traditionally have a fifth true leaf), plant them
out at 45cm each way, or as little as 15cm if you plan to take them as baby vegeta-
bles. The time they take to reach maturity depends hugely on your chosen variety,
but during warm weather fast-growing varieties such as 'Igloo' can be ready for
harvest as small heads in as little as nine weeks, or as full-sized heads in four-
teen. Some varieties (including 'Igloo') are 'self-blanching', meaning that they
curl their inner leaves over the head as it develops. For others, when the heads
start to swell, fold some of the outer leaves over to protect them, breaking the
midrib if necessary.
During the warmer months cauliflowers need to be protected with nets or fleece
all the time to keep butterflies away. If you decide to use netting, keep it sus-
pended over the plants with canes or cloche hoops, because if it lies directly on
the leaves, butterflies will lay their eggs through the mesh. Please note that using
fleece will increase the time to harvest, so if you plan to do this make sure you
choose a well-lit spot with very little shading from other plants. If you intend to
grow any large brassicas, then netting the tunnel doors is often the simplest
remedy, but do remember that some plants, such as strawberries, need flying
insects to pollinate them.
Harvesting and storage
Harvest while the curd is still tight for the best texture and flavour. Once cut,
cauliflower keeps well in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge for a week or more,
and although some varieties develop a stronger smell if kept in this way, their
taste is not affected. Cauliflower can also be frozen by breaking it up into florets,
rinsing them well in cold water to dislodge any animals, then blanching in boiling
water for three minutes before open freezing.
Problems
Flea beetles
,
caterpillars
,
slugs
and
aphids
.
Magnesium deficiency: cauliflowers have high demands for magnesium, so if
levels are low in the tunnel you will often see it in cauliflowers first. If you see
yellowing leaves with green veins, feed with Epsom salts at 75g per 4.5-litre can.
When the area is next free, check that the pH is not too low (below 6) and correct
with dolomite lime if necessary, as acidity reduces the availability of magnesium.
