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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Common_Clay on May 01, 2007, 19:16:45

Title: Cauliflower plants gone
Post by: Common_Clay on May 01, 2007, 19:16:45
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
Title: Re: Cauliflower plants gone
Post by: SueSteve on May 01, 2007, 19:39:29
sounds like leatherjackets. I dont know if they eat caulis, but I am blaming them for eating my lawn, rhubard and lettuces!!
Title: Re: Cauliflower plants gone
Post by: manicscousers on May 01, 2007, 19:47:42
leatherjackets, they've eaten my red cabbage  >:(
I'm letting the romanesco broccoli get to 6 to 8" high..and sowing more red cabbages  :)
Title: Re: Cauliflower plants gone
Post by: Rosyred on May 01, 2007, 21:04:14
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. :)
Title: Re: Cauliflower plants gone
Post by: kt. on May 01, 2007, 23:37:33
Leatherjackets? Whats these? (in lottie pest terms please ::))
Title: Re: Cauliflower plants gone
Post by: quizzical1 on May 02, 2007, 00:11:16
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)
Title: Re: Cauliflower plants gone
Post by: SueSteve on May 02, 2007, 07:05:01
Quote from: quizzical1 on May 02, 2007, 00:11:16
Looks like a brown legless caterpillar,

or a dirty grey colour.
Title: Re: Cauliflower plants gone
Post by: tuinman on May 02, 2007, 10:59:52
yes nasty little buggers