Cauliflower Boris F1 – Av. 20 Seeds

Description

Cauliflower ‘Boris’ F1 is a resilient, fast-maturing variety known for producing uniform, dense white curds and is a good choice for beginners due to its adaptability to various conditions.

SKU C10003

Av. 20 Seeds

Sowing and Planting

• When to Sow: Sow seeds indoors from January to May, or in September to October. Alternatively, you can sow directly outdoors from March to June.
• Indoor Sowing: Sow in trays or modules at a depth of 6mm (¼ in). Maintain a temperature of around 13-15°C (55-60°F) until germination, which typically takes 4-7 days.
• Outdoor Sowing: Sow thinly in a prepared seedbed in shallow drills, allowing 30cm (12in) between rows.
• Transplanting: When seedlings have their first pair of true leaves (around 5 weeks from sowing), prick them off into larger pots or thin to one seedling per cell in modules. Gradually acclimatize them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting in their final position.
• Spacing: Space plants 45cm (18in) apart for standard heads, or as close as 25cm (10in) for smaller, ‘baby’ heads. Plant them firmly in the ground.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Choose a spot in full sun in rich, well-drained, and moisture-retentive soil.
• Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil in early spring by adding plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure or compost to improve fertility and structure. If your soil is acidic, apply lime to reduce acidity and the risk of clubroot.
• Watering: Cauliflowers require consistent moisture and do not like their growth to be checked by drying out. Water regularly, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, and apply a thick layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture.
• Protection: Cover young plants with horticultural fleece or netting immediately after planting to protect them from birds and insects like cabbage white butterflies and cabbage root fly.
• Blanching: To keep the curds a pristine white, you can ‘blanch’ them. Once the head is about the size of a golf ball, fold the outer leaves over the curd and secure them with twine.

Harvest

• Timing: Harvest typically occurs from June to October, depending on the sowing time. The variety matures quickly, in about 85-90 days from sowing for summer crops.
• How to Harvest: Cut the head with a sharp knife when it is still compact and firm, and large enough to eat (around 15-20cm or 6-8 inches in diameter).