Cauliflower

Cauliflower do not tolerate the heat well but they are less picky about the cold. Plants may be started indoors up to 6 weeks before last frost but don't let transplants go past 4 or 5 true leaves - about 4 to 6 weeks old or you will promote bolting. Bottom heat soil to about 75F (25C) until seeds germinate and then maintain an air temp close to 60F with direct sun to prevent legginess. Soil temps should have reached 50F (10C) before you plant out. Cauliflower are more difficult to direct seed than their cabbage family cousins, especially in the spring. Sow seeds about 3 inches (8 cm) apart just under ¾ inch (2 cm) deep in late spring and into early summer for a fall harvest. Since these plants are shallow rooted opt to mulch over hoeing to prevent weeds. To keep Cauliflower curds white tie the outer leaves up over the head when it reaches a couple of inches (5 cm). If you find your heads are not solid, but are breaking into little grains then check your nitrogen, sun or heat exposure.