Cauliflower

Facts about Cauliflower plant. "Scientific name for Cauliflower is Brassica oleracea var. botrytis". Cauliflower is a vegetable that has a compact head, also known as the "curd", and is roughly 6 inches in diameter (15 cm). Cauliflower is in the same vegetable group as broccoli, kale, and cabbage. This vegetable should be contained in your diet as it contains many nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. There are many health benefits when you include cauliflower in your diet. Some of these health benefits include; aiding the bodies detox system, anti-inflammatory benefits, and support of the cardiovascular system. When selecting the right kind of cauliflower for your diet make sure to look for a clean, creamy white, compact head that has bud clusters not separated. Whether you choose to saute it or eat it raw cauliflower will not disappoint you when it comes to eating healthy.
When it comes to growing cauliflower, you can attempt to do it yourself, but there are many things to remember. When it comes to growing cauliflower, timing is everything. The plant likes it cooler, mainly around the 60-degree temperature mark. The best time to plant cauliflower would be in the early spring. If you plant it too early your cauliflower will freeze, and if you plant it too late your cauliflower may be exposed to temperatures that are too warm. The perfect time to plant would be two weeks after the last freeze from winter or if you choose to plant in the fall make sure it is about 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost. When you get ready to start planting, keep in mind that your vegetable will need fresh, clean soil and an area where it will be able to get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Planting the cauliflower 20 inches (50 cm) apart will give plenty of room for them to grow. When the leaves of the cauliflower begin to grow larger, pinning the leaves over the head of the vegetable will ensure that the head remains white and tender at harvest. When you plant cauliflower it usually takes up to 80 days til harvest, and you will see the leaves growing in before the head appears. There are many benefits to growing your own cauliflower, such as the fact that you know there are no harsh chemicals used in the process. When growing the cauliflower do watch out for cabbage worms, beetles, and maggots as these will harm your cabbage plants. Happy planting!