cauliflower heads

[bankieman]

anyone know why my cauli heads are splaying and not staying compact?Manicscousers recommended over- wintering varieties,any other ideas?

[bankieman]

[kt.]

Probably gone the same way as sprouts blow.  The ground around the base must be firmed and compact when the young plants are transplanted.  Loose soil around them causes them to blow.  Ensure you stamp the ground around the base next time you plant some. ;)

[PAULW]

BANKIEMAN
Once the cauli has flowered that is it, that is what you get, whether it is an inch across or a foot across it will grow no more, if you do not cut it while it is tight it will blow, it does not matter whether it is a summer or a winter cauli if you do not cut it it will blow.

[Barnowl]

Does the cross cut technique work with cauliflowers? Might be worth a try.

[davyw1]

Does the cross cut technique work with cauliflowers? Might be worth a try.

No it does not work with cauli,s Barnowl.

anyone know why my cauli heads are splaying and not staying compact?Manicscousers recommended over- wintering varieties,any other ideas?

If you have grown over winter cauli,s IE Holland Winter then the reason is because its to late in the year for them. Another reason could be lack of regular watering.

[bankieman]

Thanks to everyone for your replies - a lot of useful info. there. While on the subject of Cauli's, the man on the allotment next to me said i should break the leaves and cover the heads; he wasn't sure whether it was to protect from the sun or the rain?Surely it's not good for the plant breaking off the leaves?Or does this practice actually help in some way?Any comments?

[davyw1]

The idea of breaking the leaves across the curd is to protect it from the sun light so it retains its whiteness, i don,t believe in that method i prefer to bring the leaves together and tie round the plant with string. What is the point of damaging a leaf that helps the plant breath.

[bankieman]

thanks Davyw1.I'm inclined to go with your ideas.

[tim]

And a broken leaf dies & rots!