Cauliflower plants gone

[Common_Clay]

I planted some small cauliflower seedlings (approx. 3" tall) on the allotment a week or so ago and covered with fine netting over bamboo canes. The next day the leaves looked as though they had been attacked somewhat, so whatever was in the ground before I put the netting on must have done it. To my dismay, there is now no sign whatsoever of cauliflower plants! Every one has gone. Does anyone know what eats them? The snails don't seem to go for them in the greenhouse, they're more interested in the curcubits and sunflowers.

  Fortunately, I have some more seedlings still in pots, but my question is how big should they be before planting them outside to avoid being dessimated?

  Thanks. CC

[Common_Clay]

[SueSteve]

sounds like leatherjackets. I dont know if they eat caulis, but I am blaming them for eating my lawn, rhubard and lettuces!!

[manicscousers]

leatherjackets, they've eaten my red cabbage  >:(
I'm letting the romanesco broccoli get to 6 to 8" high..and sowing more red cabbages  :)

[Rosyred]

I had the same with my cauli's. They were beauiful I looked after them all winter and they looked really nice seedlings as soon as I put them on the allotment they got eaten. Since I have sprayed them and watered a bit more they look a whole lot better now. May even get a cauli if i'm lucky. :)

[kt.]

Leatherjackets? Whats these? (in lottie pest terms please ::))

[quizzical1]

The grub of the cranefly (daddylonglegs). Looks like a brown legless caterpillar, about 1 inch longx 1/4 inch thick. Ruins lawns because the grub eats the roots (usually)

[SueSteve]

Looks like a brown legless caterpillar,

or a dirty grey colour.

[tuinman]

yes nasty little buggers