"Brassica oleracea, Botrytis Group: In mild climates throughout the US, cauliflower can be produced from April until early December. Thought to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean, cauliflower moved through Italy and then on to England, where it was first recorded in the 16th century. At our trial grounds at London Springs, Oregon, we select consistently performing varieties with good size, shape, and compactness of head.

CULTURE: Best started indoors as transplants. Start early varieties from mid-March through June and autumn and overwinter varieties in May and June. Sow into sterile seedling mix 1/4-1/2 inch deep. Optimum soil temperatures for germination: 55-75°F. Days to emergence: 5-20. Keep the seedlings moist, and provide adequate nutrition with a balanced fertilizer. See our Natural Fertilizer section. Transplant out at 6 weeks when there are 6-8 true leaves and after the danger of a hard frost. Stressed seedlings can lead to small heads or premature bolting. Transplant into soil rich in humus or compost that has been adjusted to a pH of 6.5-7. Space transplants 12-24 inches apart and 30 inches between rows. For best results, dig 1/4-1/2 cup of our complete fertilizer into the soil around each plant. Water evenly and thoroughly for a good crop. Too much nitrogen or a boron deficiency can cause hollow stem. Periodic soil tests can be very helpful in diagnosing problems.
INSECTS: See Brassica Insect Information.
DISEASE: The common disease problems of cauliflower are similar to cabbage. Many disease and insect problems can be reduced if cole crops can be grown in a 4-5 year rotation with non-cruciferous crops.
BLANCHING: Many of our varieties tend to self-wrap the flower; even so, to obtain completely white heads, especially from spring-sown varieties, tie the inner leaves around the curd when it starts to form, or break over some inside leaves so they lie flat on the flower and provide shade for it.
HARVEST: When mature, the flowerets just begin to separate and appear slightly ricey. At this point, the flavor is still at peak quality and the size is maximum. Store at 34°F and 95% relative humidity.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 75%. Days to maturity are calculated from date of transplant. Add 25-35 days if direct seeding. Usual seed life: 3 years. Approximately 60-85 seeds per 1/4 gram, 250-350 seeds per gram; 14 grams per 1/2 ounce.

Sampler: 1/4 gram
Packet: 2 grams
Unless otherwise noted."

   Open Pollinated