Califlower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
History
Califlower is another member of the cabbage family that is an offshoot of the broccoli. Califlower is known a white dense flower head that had a curd like apperance that caught the eyes of many. It had replace broccoli by the 1300s in southern europe and being bolster by king louis xiv of france in the 1600s.
Growing conditions
Sunlight
Needs atleast 6 hours of direct sunlight
Temperature Range
50F-75F
Bolting can occur over 75F
Soil Conditions
Sandy Loam soil.
Water
1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Water the plants when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
Nutrients
10-10-5
Adding a nitrogen rich compost can help encourage the growth
pH
6.0-7.0
Plant care
Sowing Seeds
Plant seeds 1/4" to a 1/2" deep and space them 4 to 6 inches apart. Cover with straw to help retain moisture.
Germination
Seeds can take 3 to 10 days to germinate
Once the plants are above the straw carefully remove the straw thin out the plants to a 12 to 18 inches of space between plants.
Pruning
Remove lower leaves to prevent pest from climbing up the plant. Remove dead and over crowded leaves to help with air flow
Harvest
Once the main head has been harvested the plant will divert enegry to the side shoots. They will not be as large as the main head but can still proved a bountiful harvest.
Growing Tips
Califlower is a heavey feeder and supplement feeding help help grow a larger head of broccoli.
Harvest before the yellow flowers begin to sprout, this can happen in as little as day.
Garden plotter quick facts
Spacing
10" to 16"
Water needs
Moderate
Sunlight
Full Sun
A warm-season crop producing juicy red fruits.
