There are three distinct groups of cauliflowers, classified by their cropping dates, e.g. spring, summer and autumn.

A sunny position is essential for cauliflowers.

Best results are obtained when planted in soil enriched with liberal amounts of well-rotted manure.

Two weeks before setting out the young plants, rake in a top dressing of general fertiliser at 75 gm (3oz) per sq metre.

At planting out time give all soils, unless already alkaline, a top-dressing of carbonate of lime at 100gms (4oz) per sq metre

Keep the plants well watered.

A light dressing of nitrate of soda or nitro-chalk once or twice during the growing season is beneficial and improves the quality of the curds.

Typical growing stages;

1st sign of head forming	Head forming	Developing head	Ready for harvesting

Summer cropping;

Week 13; Sow seeds in pots or trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 16°C (60°F).

Germination should take around seven days

Week 14; When the seedlings show their first pair of true leaves, prick them out into 75mm (3") pots of the potting compost and grow on at the same temperature, in a light position.

Week 16; Move plants into coldframe to harden off

Week 21; Plant out 500mm (18") apart each way.

circa Week 27; As the plants are reaching maturity bright sun can discolour curds.

To prevent this, break the ribs of a few inner leaves and bend these over the curds to shade them.

circa Week 28; Commence harvesting.

Cut mature curds regularly and certainly before the florets begin to open up - excess heads can be pickled or frozen

Alternatively; pull up the whole plant, including roots, cover the curd with tissue-paper, and suspended upside-down in a cool shed. The curds should keep fresh for up to three weeks.

Autumn cropping;

Week 25; Sow seeds in pots or trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 13°C (55°F).

Germination should take around seven days

Week 27; When the seedlings show their first pair of true leaves, prick them out into 75mm (3") pots of the seed compost and grow on at the same temperature, in a light position.

Week 32;  Give the young plants a thorough soaking and set the plants, 500mm (18") apart each way

Spring cropping;

Week 30; Sow seeds in pots or trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 13°C (55°F).

Germination should take around seven days

When the seedlings show their first pair of true leaves, prick them out into 75mm (3") pots of the seed compost and grow on at the same temperature, in a light position.

Week 37;  Give the young plants a thorough soaking and set the plants, 500mm (18") apart each way.

Week 6; (the following year) protect the developing curds from frost by breaking a leaf or two over them.