Cauliflower (brassica oleracea there. botrytis) belongs to the family of crucifers. It originates from the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and is cultivated mainly in the Mediterranean and in the coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean. The initial growth of the plant resembles that of a cabbage forming a central shoot with a rosette of leaves. Then the flower head of the plant is created, which is also its edible part.
It is rich in water, vitamin C and A, potassium, phosphorus, calcium. It has very few calories (23 kcal per 100 gr).
| Energy (kcal / kJ) | 23kcal / 107kJ |
| Carbohydrates | 4.1 gr. |
| Sugars | 1 gr. |
| Fiber | 2,7 gr. |
| Proteins | 1,8 gr. |
| Fat | 0.4 gr. |
| Thiamine (Vit B1) | 0,04mg |
| Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 0,05mg |
| Niacin (Vit. B3) | 0,41mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0,17mg |
| Folic acid | 44μg |
| Vitamin C | 44.3mg |
| Calcium | 16mg |
| Iron | 0,33mg |
| Magnesium | 9mg |
| Phosphorus | 32mg |
| Potassium | 142mg |
| Zinc | 0,18mg |
Terrain
It needs fertile soil, rich in organic matter with good drainage. Cauliflower is sensitive to a lack of boron and calcium. Lack of boron causes the formation of hollow shoots initially and later brown spots appear on the surface of the head. Secondary bacterial rot can also develop in the hollow shoot. Lack of calcium causes necrosis of the leaf tips.
Sowing - Transplantation
From seeds to a bed: The germination temperature of cauliflower seeds is between 7 and 29 degrees Celsius. Place the seeds at a depth of about half an inch and the seeds will germinate after 4 to 7 days.
From seed to soil: You can place 3 – 4 seeds at a depth of about half a centimeter per 45 – 60 cm.
The greater the distance, the stronger the plants will be due to lack of competition.
Cauliflower seedlings are ready for transplanting when they have 4-8 leaves. about 5 - 9 weeks after sowing. Planting distance on the line 30 - 60 cm. Distance between the lines 60 - 90 cm.
Cauliflower is grown in 2 periods:
Early cultivation: Sowing from May - June
Late crop: Sowing from August - September
Watering
The seedlings need frequent watering in order to take good root. Drip irrigation is preferable so that the leaves do not get wet. Uniform soil moisture should be maintained throughout the crop. The water needs increase as the plants grow.
Harvest
Cauliflowers are harvested when they have reached the desired size. It is good that they do not remain on the plant after they have grown enough, because their white color is altered and their consistency is reduced. They are cut from the plant along with some leaves for protection.
TIP:
When they are exposed for a long time to sun, rain or hail, their quality deteriorates and they acquire a green color, due to the chlorophyll. It is good for the outer large leaves of the cauliflower to turn inwards to protect it and to be tied with a rubber band to stay firm.
