Planting cauliflower in containers
It is important to plant the range that fits the season and environment you are living in. When the temperature is in the variety of 50-85 F (10 C to 30 C), Cauliflowers can be planted anytime in frost complimentary environment. At the time when heads are developing, the perfect temperature level is around 60-70 F (15-20 C).
Normally, in warmer regions (USDA Zone 9– 11), you can begin to sow cauliflower seeds in fall and continue to sow the seeds up until the end of winter. In cooler zones, it is better to sow the seeds up until late winter and approximately spring to get summer or fall harvest.
Propagation
Sowing, transplanting, and planting is same as for the cabbages. Sow the seeds in a seed beginning mix, 1 or 2 cm deep and 4 cm apart. When the seedlings germinated and plants have 3 or 4 leaves, you can startgrowing cauliflower in containers.
Choosing a Container
Select a pot that is 12 inches deep and at least 10 inches large to allow sufficient space for a plant to grow. Also, ensure it has enough drainage holes in the bottom. In such a pot you can grow one plant.
You can likewise grow 2-3 cauliflower plants together in large pails, half whiskey barrels and even in sacks.
Requirements for Growing Cauliflower in Containers
Position
Prefer to keep the pot in a warm area that gets a minimum of 6 hours of sun. In tropics, grow the plant in a partial sun.
Soil
Like all brassicas, cauliflowers are rather demanding on the soil. Fill the pot with a quality potting soil that is light, deep, humus-rich and a little clayey. As cauliflower grows finest in moist soil pick the substrate that holds some wetness however also drains pipes well.
READ.How To Grow Basil.
Watering
Because growing cauliflower requires moist soil, you’ll require to water it frequently. It is very important to prevent the drying of the soil in the period when the seedling is maturing and at the time of head development. Drought-like conditions lead to the formation of smaller sized or different heads and even to a total loss of them. Overwatering also impede its development, which need to be prevented.
Cauliflower Plant Care
When the head or flower (curd) of cauliflower becomes 2-3 inches in size (this is unneeded for colored ranges), cover it with the inner leaves by breaking or tying them over the head. It is called blanching. This will protect the head from the sun and you’ll get healthy white colored and more flavorsome cauliflower after harvest.
Fertilizer
Cauliflower plant is a heavy feeder. You can blend garden compost or well-rotted manure into the soil at the time of planting. Besides this, fertilize it with 10-10-10 water soluble fertilizer monthly.
Mulching
Mulching can be avoided when you’re growing cauliflower in containers. You can do it to keep the soil cool and maintain wetness in the soil. In winter, mulching will keep the soil warm and insulate the roots from cold.
Pests and Illness
Bugs that damage the leaves, such as flea beetles, the larva of cabbage butterfly and moths enjoy to feed upon this plant. It can likewise be assaulted by aphids and white flies.
In diseases, it is infected by clubroot, which can be checked if quality soil is used. It likewise gets impacted by powdery mildew. To prevent it, avoid wetting the foliage.
READ.Best Fruits To Grow In Pots.
Collecting
The harvesting of cauliflower occurs practically throughout the year, depending on the variety and sowing period. Usually, harvesting happens about 3-4 months after planting.
You can inspect if cauliflower is all set for harvest when the head (curd) is totally developed (6 to 12 inches in diameter, depending upon the range) and still compact. As soon as the blanching is done you can gather the cauliflower in 7-12 days.
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