cauli's

[jokey]

hi all, how do i know when my cauli's are ready to pull up, they are  (i mean it) still small will it keep growing.  ;D

also something eaten all my spinach, will that be slugs

thanks 

[jokey]

[tim]

1. When they are big enough for a meal for....??

2. Befroe they go yellow or blousy.

3. A leaf over the curd will slow the yellowing process.

[Suzanne]

I usually do okay with both summer and winter cauli's. But this year some of my summer ones have produced curds when they are only very young plants - so curds very small like golf balls - abut three of the dozen I put in. Is this the effect of the recent heatwave or have I done something completely wrong.

The variety is Snowball an F1. They were module sown in April, planted out early June in firm ground, previously fertilized with chicken manure pellets. I have kept them watered in dry weather and they are on lottie No1 which avoids the full glare of the midday sun (11.30 to about 2.30) due to a couple of large scots pines on the border.

Thanks for any help.

[davyw1]

You should give you cauli,s a little drink every day if you can
Draw the outer leave up and tie round them with some string to stop the sunlight getting on the curd.
The size of the curd depends on what type you planted
Candid Charm = Footballs
Beauty         ]
Snowball     ]   =  About the size of a yellow Mellon
Avisio          ]
Lateman]    ]

Just keep an eye on them till they get to a size that you want ( as Tim says ) to get a meal out of it. Better cut early than blown.

[jokey]

thanks for all your help, i'll keep an eye on them

jo

[davyw1]

Had a little butchers at mine today, it looks like half on the dinner and half in the freezer.

CANDID CHARM

[attachment=1]

Tied up to keep the sun off the curd

[kt.]

Does it affect the cauli if not tied?  I have never had much luck with them but this year, trying Candid Charm and are doing well at the moment.  About the size of tennis balls.

[davyw1]

KT  No, the reason you tie them like i have is to keep the sun off the curd so it remains white, the sun discolours it. Tying it up does,nt affect the size either.

[davyw1]

End result for dinner tomorrow
Candid Charm,  Winderstat and Ruby sweede also a few radish

[attachment=1]