Cauliflower, Sprouting, 'Delistem White', F1 Hybrid

Germination

Sow Jan-Feb. under glass, Mar-May directly, Sep-Oct in cold frames to overwinter. Sow directly into a prepared seedbed. Sow 10mm deep into rows 30cm apart. Transplant to final growing position 5 weeks from sowing. Can be sown indoors. Sow 10mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost mixed with vermiculite. Propagate 10-15°C. Germination takes 4-7 days. Transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed with 45cm spacing. Successional sow.

Growing

Prefers a soil with plenty of well rotted organic matter. Acidic soils should have lime added. Cover crop with netting or fleece to prevent insect and bird attack. Water thoroughly and regularly. Weed as required. Feed with a nitrogen rich fertiliser every 2-3 weeks if desired.

Cultivation

Harvest when the flower shoots are well developed but before the flowers open. Timing is important as once in flower the shoots become woody and tasteless. Harvest central spear first as this encourages side shoots. Pick side shoots regularly when 10cm long. Do not strip the whole plant in one go.