Vegetables
Cauliflower is closely related to cabbage, kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, which in fact belong to the same species. Cauliflower is one of the most popular vegetables.
Compared to the other types of cabbages, the cauliflower is rather difficult to grow. That’s why gardeners are often proud when they can show you a perfect cauliflower with a big firm white head.
Names
Scientific
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
English
Cauliflower
Dutch
Bloemkool
Spanish
Coliflor
French
Chou-fleur
German
Blumenkohl
Taxonomy
Order
Brassicales
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Species
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis (Cauliflower)
Basic information and facts
Origin:
Cauliflower originates in the North-east of the Mediterranean region.
Distribution:
Europe (Spain, France, etc.), Asia (India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.), North America (USA, Mexico)
Annual, biennial, or perennial:
Annual
Climate and weather:
Cauliflower prefers a cool moist climate.
Pollination:
Cauliflower is insect pollinated (requires cross pollination for seed production).
Type of soil:
Cauliflower prefers soils that are well drained, moist and with high organic matter content.
Preferred pH:
From 6 to 7.
Spacing (close range):
45 cm
Spacing (wide range):
60 cm
Propagation:
Grown form seed. Transplanting of seedlings.
Insect pests:
Aphids, Diamond back moth, Cabbage worms, Flea beetles.
Diseases:
Black rot, Club root, Some viral diseases.
Harvesting:
Harvest the developed heads by cutting the main stem. Cut heads before they are overmature.
Uses:
Cauliflower is eaten as a vegetable, either cooked, raw or pickled.
Proverbs and Quotes
- Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education. (Mark Twain)
Crop categories
Cool temperate crops
Flower vegetables
Major crops
Mediterranean crops
Subtropical crops
Temperate crops
Vegetables
Pictures
Cauliflower
Cauliflower