Topic: Will nature always take its course?

[tim]

If you hold back seedlings from a batch, in the hope of staggering harvest, will they just catch up wiith the first lot? = Tim

[john_miller]

Probably, Tim.They are still 'maturing' even if they are not growing. They could mature simultaneously but the held back ones will not yield as well. This will be particularly true of plants exhibiting a phenological maturity response such as potatoes or cauliflower. Additionally holding back will impose stress on the plants which may even promote earlier maturity with substantial loss in yield- buttoning in broccoli or cauliflower, bolting lettuce etc..

[tim]

Can't win, can you!
It was especially caulis that I had in mind. - Tim

[philcooper]

You can win if you like mini caulis!

[john_miller]

How about a bigger freezer Tim?

[tim]

1. But even with minis, I'd have to stagger my sowings?? Or do you freeze them? Never think they freeze that convincingly.
2. Bigger than 18cuft, John?? Bigger house!
3. This year I'm trying Victoriana's 'cut-&-come-again' caulis. Trouble is they produce a yellowish curd. Not quite the same. Just dealing with a 'Jerome' (I think) from our organic box - never seen such a tightly wrapped head - by several layers of  tender leaves. Beautiful.
Best wishes = Tim

[tim]

Now here's a strange one. Just checked on the c&ca caulis that went in as seedlings on 6 April.

Mini caulis? This is taking things too far!!  = Tim

[philcooper]

Well it solves your problem in producing pictures that are too big!!!
 ;D

[Multiveg]

Isn't it cute  ;D

[tim]

I just have to tell you this -

They are only 3-4" high and, not content with producing a cauliflower head, each axil is producing a side-shoot.

Yes - I know - we're not leaving them on. = Tim