Thompson & Morgan Cauliflower Winter Aalsmeer

Outstanding winter hardiness

Good depth and weight

Matures throughout April extending the harvesting period

Awarded an RHS Award of Garden Merit

Description

An improved 'Armado April' type. Cauliflower Winter Aalsmeer shows outstanding winter hardiness and produces well-protected, creamy white heads of good depth and weight. Matures gradually throughout April so extends the harvesting period. RHS AGM winner.

Sowing time: May to mid June. Sow seeds thinly in a well-prepared seedbed, 12mm (½in ) deep. Keep watered during dry weather.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle, about 5 weeks from sowing, allowing a minimum of 6cm (2ft) between plants in the row and 75cm (3in) between rows. Firm in well and keep watered until established. Net against pigeons and cabbage caterpi

Top dress with nitrogen feed during late February.

Sowing

Alternatively sow Cauliflower seed indoors at a depth of 1cm (1/2") in trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost and cover with a sprinkling of vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 21C (70F) until after germination which takes 4 -7 days. Transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3") pots and grow Cauliflower plants on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and plants are large enough to be transplanted outdoors.

Gradually acclimatise Cauliflower plants to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting in a sheltered position on firm, rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Prepare the soil in early spring by adding plenty of well rotted farmyard manure to the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Apply lime to acid soils to reduce the acidity and lessen the risk of clubroot. Plant cauliflowers at a distance of 25cm (10") between plants each way for 'baby heads', and 60cm (24") apart for larger heads. Cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.

More Info

Water cauliflowers regularly and do not allow them to dry out as this may impair their development. Hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing and bring insect larvae to the surface. Spring cauliflowers can be harvested in spring when the curds are fully matured, and while they are still tight and firm. Culinary note: Cauliflowers freeze well.