Cauliflower

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) is related to collard greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale. A cool season vegetable, cauliflower produces a dense head that is high in Vitamin C and fiber. While not as nutrient rich as other members of the Brassica oleracea, cauliflower is often used to replace potatoes and other starchy foods in various dishes due to its texture when cooked.

Cauliflower is a cool weather plant and not tolerant of either hot or cold temperatures.

How to Plant
Plant in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Select an area in your garden that gets full, all day sun and where the soil is slightly acidic (6.5 to 7.0 pH) and loamy. Incorporate lots of organic material such as mature compost into the planting sight.

Higher temperatures and stress from drying out between waterings causes the cauliflower to “button,” a condition in which numerous smaller heads form instead of a large single head.

Plant 18 to 24 inches apart in early spring or early fall when temperatures will not exceed 75 degrees. Consistency is the key to watering. Do not allow the plant to dry out. From transplanting to harvest is between 75 to 85 days.

Fertilizing
A nitrogen rich fertilizer is recommended before planting and can be applied next to the plant during the growing process if needed.

Harvesting
When head is dense and measures between 6 to 8 inches across, it is harvest time. Use a sharp knife to cut the head away from the stalk. Include several leaves to help protect the head. If heads are small but begin to “open up” the heads should be harvested, as this condition will not improve with time. If you leave the head in the garden too long the surface will appear coarse and that head should be discarded into the compost pile.

Harvested cauliflower heads can be stored for up to one week in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Recommendations for Use
Cauliflower can be enjoyed raw, steamed, boiled or sautéed. Boiling is believed to reduce the nutrient value whereas steaming does not.

Recipes: Cauliflower General Tso Style