Cauliflower stands out among other vegetables for its rich content of protein, mineral salts and other substances useful to the body. Among other varieties of cabbage, cauliflower is distinguished by excellent taste and early maturity. It was brought to Russia in the 18th century and immediately earned fame, although it was accessible only to aristocrats.
Today this vegetable is very popular among gardeners, but before you ask yourself how to grow cauliflower, you need to provide the necessary conditions for this. Of particular importance is the choice of landing site. It should be warm, because in the shade it forms a lot of leaves, and the head does not tie. The soil should be with moderate humus content, with a sufficiently high humidity. Moreover, compost is better to provide in the fall.
How to grow cauliflower seedlings?
To harvest throughout the season, seedlings are sown in several stages. It is recommended to sanitize seeds before sowing in water, the temperature of which should be 50 degrees, then a few minutes in cold. To improve the quality of the seeds, it is recommended to hold them in a solution rich in trace elements for about 12 hours. The first seedlings are sown in late February, the next - a month later. It is advisable to do this in containers or grooves in boxes with a distance of 5 cm. During the whole time of growing seedlings, it must be fed with microelements at least three times.
Planting seedlings in open ground
The first sowing is planted in early May, the second - in early June, the third - in early July. To do this, prepare rows with a distance of 50 cm, where, like chess, cabbage seedlings are placed in the holes. Moreover, with a distance between them of 40 cm. But how to grow cauliflower without additional fertilizers? At the bottom of the hole, it is advisable to pour out spoons of two mineral fertilizers and ash. The main thing here is not to put the cabbage too deep, because if you fall asleep the first real leaf, it simply will not be accepted. After sowing, it is recommended to cover everything with a spandbond, which protects against temperature differences, harmful insects, while letting air, light and water pass. Experienced gardeners who know how to grow cauliflower, harvest the first crop 60 days after the first sowing. Many make the mistake of planting seedlings when it has already grown and has 6-7 leaves. As a rule, there will be no sense from her.
Watering and feeding
A solution of mullein is fed 2 weeks after planting in the ground, another 2 weeks later - with a complex of mineral fertilizers and then with potassium sulfate, when the head has already begun to be tied. Watering should be done regularly, especially when heads are formed. After each watering and rains, the soil is loosened.
How to grow cauliflower to get snow-white inflorescences?
To do this, they shade it, breaking several large inner sheets at the outlet. Cut heads can be stored fresh for up to three weeks if wrapped in plastic and refrigerated. For longer storage, it is better to freeze them.
Without a doubt, the above tips on how to properly grow cauliflower will help in achieving an excellent harvest.