Cauliflower, Brassica oleracea var. botyris, is annual plant that produces a head which is usually white – although there are orange, purple, and lime green varieties available as either heirlooms or hybrids. After it “bolts” the plant forms a seed stalk. Normally only the head or “curd” is eaten although the entire plant is edible.
It is one of several cole crops found in the Brassica oleracea species within the mustard family and, along with Romanesco broccoli, composes the botrytis group within the species. Other B. oleracea types include brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, collard greens, kohlrabi, and broccoli.
The cauliflower may date as far back as the 1st century AD, where a similar plant was described by the Romans. It was definitely cultivated in its modern form by the middle ages, and was found in Cyprus and other parts of the eastern Mediterranean.
Cauliflower has vexed many home gardeners and is known as a picky plant with poor curd quality and underdeveloped heads being a source of irritation. It can also suffer from pests and diseases such as aphids, cut worms, flea beetles, and root maggots.
But with our growing, care, and harvesting guides below, this troublesome cruciferous vegetable can be tamed, and you too can produce beautiful examples in your veggie patch. Happy gardening!
Cauliflower is one of the more difficult cool-weather crops to grow. If climate, soil, and moisture conditions are not ideal, the curd may not mature as it should. Sometimes, instead of being smooth, it looks fuzzy. Learn what causes this, how to avoid it, and if the affected crop is edible. Read more now.
Cauliflower can be a challenging cool-weather crop to grow in the home garden. Sometimes, developing curds that should be snowy white take on a purplish hue. Learn what causes this phenomenon, how to avoid it, and what it means in terms of crop quality. We’re discussing purplish cauliflower, here on Gardener’s Path!
Cauliflower is a cool-season crop that can be challenging to cultivate. Did you know that some varieties require your intervention to be able to produce unblemished heads? The technique is called blanching, and it protects the developing heads from sun damage. Learn when and how to do it. Read on for easy instructions.
Cauliflower is a cool weather crop that can be challenging to cultivate. Sometimes growing conditions are less than optimal and the heads don’t form as they should. Join us to learn about 9 common disorders that may cause irregular cauliflower head formation, and measures to avoid them. Read more now.
Cauliflower is a cool-weather crop that is often challenging to grow. Sometimes it yields an abundance of snowy white, purple, green, or even orange heads. Other times, you’re rewarded with mounds of foliage, but there’s not a single head in sight. To discover 11 reasons why this may happen, read more now.
Grow cauliflower for a healthy garden-to-table experience. Choose white snowballs, Italian greens and purples, and orange “cheddars.” Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, raw and cooked dishes showcase its mild, sweet-to-nutty flavor. Find the best varieties and where to buy them, here on Gardener’s Path.
Cauliflower has a reputation for being a difficult cool-weather crop to grow, but don’t let that stop you. With an understanding of temperature and watering needs, you’ll soon be cultivating white, purple, orange, and green varieties packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Read on to learn how, here on Gardener’s Path.