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Requirements to Grow Cauliflower
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The same as recommended for
cabbages.
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Planting time for Growing Cauliflower
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The old `phenomenal' types have to be
sown to mature before mid to late winter. They require about 6 months
from planting out time not sowing time. Therefore the Phenomenal Six
Months need to be sown by late November or early December; Phenomenal
Four Months by late January, etc.
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Paleface and other modern medium-sized
cauliflowers are less sensitive to lengthening days and can be planted
at any time, from late summer to late autumn. Miniature types can be
sown at any time but avoid a mid-summer maturity.
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As new types are continuously being
developed, it is as well to check information on the seed packet.
Seedlings sold by reputable suppliers will naturally be suitable for
planting at the time of sale.
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Cultivation Guide for Cauliflower
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As for cabbages, leaving at least 50 cm
spacing between medium to large types and 15-18 cm between the
miniatures.
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Special Problem in Growing Cauliflower
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Cauliflowers are subject to the same
problems as cabbages. An additional one is a condition known as
Whiptail which causes elongated and deformed foliage, and in serious
cases a breakdown of the curd of the cauliflower.
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This is due to molybdenum deficiency
which is more likely to occur when large amounts of fertilizer
containing only major elements are used, and particularly heavy
applications of sulphate of ammonia.
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Avoid the problem by using a complete
fertilizer containing trace elements, and for liquid feeding one of the
complete water-soluble plant foods rather than sulphate of ammonia
alone. If detected early the molybdenum deficiency can be corrected by
spraying the plants with 1 level teaspoon of sodium or ammonium
molybdate dissolved in about 5 L of water.
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Molybdenum is an essential trace element
but is only required in minute quantities; 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls per year
would be sufficient for the needs of the average home garden.