QUESTION TIME

GOT A FRUIT OR VEG PROBLEM? ASK KG FOR HELP

CAULI CATASTROPHE

Last year my cauliflowers ('All The Year Round') did well initially both formed tiny perfect heads. Then they started wilting, the heads yellowed and then finally went brown.

Charlotte Rydz, Nottingham

STEVE SAYS: Unfortunately, your cauliflowers appear to have been damaged by the frost and general poor weather. The plants are hardy, but the curds are easily damaged by cold or wet conditions.

'All The Year Round' should be ready for harvest between June and October, depending on when sown and this should ensure they miss the worst of the winter weather. However, they may still need cloche protection in the autumn if the weather is poor. You can also fold the leaves over the curd when it is nearly ready for harvest to protect it.

Modern varieties such as 'Sapporo', 'Snow Crown F1' and 'Skywalker F1' are claimed to be more weather resistant as they have inner leaves that wrap around the developing curd, offering some protection from the weather. These varieties may be worth a try if you want to grow autumn/winter caulis.

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