POOF DIRT FARMING
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Cauliflower

Why not... I am optimistic! Here's what "The Old Farmer's Almanac" says...
​Cauliflower is a sun-loving, cool-season crop to grow in spring and fall. It can be a temperamental plant in the garden because it does not tolerate heat or cold—so it’s not best for beginners unless you like a challenge! 

This vegetable’s name comes from the Latin words caulis, for cabbage, and floris, for flower. It’s a descendent of wild cabbage! Though usually white, cauliflower does come in other colors including purple, yellow, and orange.
Cauliflower can be a challenge for the beginner gardeners because it requires consistently cool temperatures with temperatures in the 60°Fs. Otherwise, it may prematurely “button”—form small, button-size heads—rather than forming a single, large head.

PLANTING
  • Soil needs to be very rich in organic matter; mix aged manure and/or compost 
  • Cauliflower also needs extra nutrients. Apply 5-10-10 fertilizer. Fertile soil holds in moisture to prevent heads from “buttoning.”
  • It is best to start cauliflower from small nursery plants versus sowing seeds.
  • Plant a fall crop 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost date but after daytime temperatures are regularly below 75°F. Shade plants from heat, if necessary.
  • Add mulch to conserve moisture.
CARE
  • Cauliflower dislikes any interruption to its growth. Change, in the form of temperature, moisture, soil nutrition, or insects, can cause the plants to develop a head prematurely or ruin an existing one.
  • Water regularly with 2 inches of water each week; even with normal rainfall, this usually requires supplemental watering.
  • For best growth, side-dress the plants with a high-nitrogen fertilizer 3 t o 4 weeks after transplanting.
  • Note that the cauliflower will start out as a loose head and that it takes time for the head to fully form. Many varieties take at least 75 to 85 days from transplant. Be patient!
  • When the curd (the white head) is 2 to 3 inches in diameter, blanch it: Tie the outer leaves together over the head and secure with a rubber band, tape, or twine to keep light out. (This is not necessary for self-blanching or colored varieties). The plants are usually ready for harvest 7 to 12 days after blanching.
  • Brown heads indicate a boron deficiency in the soil. Drench with 1 tablespoon of borax in 1 gallon of water. (Avoid getting boron on other plants.) Or, provide liquid seaweed extract immediately; repeat every 2 weeks until symptoms disappear. In the future, add more compost to the soil.
  • For white varieties, pink heds can indicate too much sun exposure or temperature fluctuations. Purple hues can be due to stress or low soil fertility.
PESTS/DISEASES
  • Aphids
  • Black rot
  • Cabbage loopers
  • Cabbage root maggots
  • Cabbageworm: Nectar from dwarf zinnias lures in ladybugs and other predators that help to protect cauliflower from cabbageworms.
  • Clubroot
  • Powdery mildew
  • Stinkbugs
  • Thrips
  • White Rust 
HARVEST/STORAGE
  • Plants are usually ready to harvest in about 50 to 100 days, depending on variety, or 7 to 12 days after blanching.
  • When the heads are compact, white, and firm, then it is time to harvest them. Ideally, the heads will grow to 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
  • Cut the heads off the plant with a large knife. Be sure to leave some of the leaves around the head to keep it protected.
  • If the heads are too small, but have already started to open up, they will not improve and should be harvested immediately.
  • If the cauliflower has a coarse appearance, it is past maturity and should be tossed.
I already feel exhausted just by understanding what it takes to grow cauliflower! No wonder it didn't work last year! Well, I already feel some kind of way, but let's see! 
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Varieties that I planted: Snowball white, True purple, Yellow. Seeds sown on 9/17/2020. Pictures are taken on 10/1/2020.
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10/13/2020. It is growing! 

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10/23/2020. Progress!
​© Paperstacks, LLC All rights reserved.
Poof Dirt Farms: 2471 Gally Rd. Pahrump, NV
Phone: 702-412-6397   Email: poofdirtfarming@gmail.com
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The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America's largest wildlife conservation and education organization, is pleased that Kozue Maye at Poof Dirt Farms in Pahrump, NV has successfully created a certified Wildlife Habitat through its garden for "Wildlife" movement.
  • Home
  • What we offer
    • From the "DIRT"
    • Floral Department
  • Poof Dirt Journey
    • COVID Year! 2020-2021
  • What we grow
    • Winter Garden >
      • Beet
      • Broccoli
      • Brussels Sprouts
      • Cabbage
      • Carrot
      • Collard Green
      • Kohlrabi
      • Turnip
    • Spring / Summer Garden >
      • Pumpkin Patch
      • Kajari Melon
      • Watermelons
      • Corn Field
      • Sunflowers
      • Tomatoes
      • Peppers
      • Peanuts
    • Livestock Feed
    • Learn from Mistakes! >
      • Sweet Potatoes
      • Zucchini
  • Livestock Department
    • Pig Dept
    • My Goats >
      • Our first baby goats
    • My Chickens!
    • Raising Meat Birds
    • Turkeys
    • Ducks
    • Downtown Cluckshaw
  • Community Activities
    • Desert Gardening Tips
    • Kid's Community Garden >
      • Farming the Future - Kid's Garden Blog
  • Media Coverage
  • Our Youtube Stories
  • Enjoy Rural Life