Cauliflower

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

Genus
   Brassica
Family
   Brassicaceae
Order
   Brassicales

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

Vegetables
Flower vegetables
Food crops
Subtropical crops
Temperate crops

Pictures