How To Grow Cauliflower Kansas

Cauliflower is part of the cabbage family along with broccoli, turnips, and brussels sprouts. It is important that cauliflower be planted early. It should be planted about three to four weeks before the last spring frost. If cauliflower is left to mature in the heat, it can acquirea very bitter taste.

1. Cauliflower seeds should be startedindoors about eight weeks before the last expected frost of spring.
   
   
2. Since cauliflower is part of the cabbage family andit cannot tolerate heat,the seedlings need to be transplanted into the garden about three weeks before the last expected frost. Seedlings should be about six inches tall at this time.
   
   
3. Pinch off the lowest leaves and plant your cauliflower plants about eighteen inches apart in prepared garden soil. Cover the roots with dirt until you are just shy of touching the bottom leaves. Next, build out a little ring of soil around each plant. This willhelp your cauliflowerhold moisture.
   
   
4. When the heads are betweenthree to five inches across, you should prepare to blanch them. Blanching blocks the cauliflower heads from receiving direct sunlight. Thiskeeps them sweet tasting and creamy white. Blanching also protects the heads fromrain -- which means they will beless susceptible to rot.
   
   
5. To blanch, you should tie the leaves up around the cauliflower head.
   
   Another method is to take an outside leaf from the cauliflower, lay it over the top and tuck it completely around the head.
   
   Bothmethods will allow air to circulate around the head. Just be certain that you donot tie the leaves too tight around the cauliflower heads. You want to allow the headsadequate room so they cancontinue growing.
   
   Blanching takes between five and eight days.
   
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Author: W Jackson