Crop Rotation Group
Brassicas (Cabbage family)
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Soil
Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
Yes.
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Feeding
Mix composted manure or another high-nitrogen compost into the soil before planting. When heads begin to form, feed with a liquid plant food.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 50cm (1' 7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 45cm (1' 5") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Sow mid to late spring, either direct into soil or in pots to plant out later if clubroot disease is a problem in your soil. Firm down well when planting out.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent cabbage root fly from destroying the roots. Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to prevent butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy these plants. Protect against birds which can damage the young seedlings and overwintering crops. Bend over a few leaves if required so that the cauliflower head is kept shaded while it is forming.
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Harvesting
Harvest when the head has fully developed, but before the curd becomes loose, with a "ricey" appearance.
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Troubleshooting
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