The vivid yellow-orange heads of Cauliflower ‘Cheddar’ not only look delicious but are also packed with beta carotene, making this beautiful vegetable extra-nutritious! The golden curds develop through sunlight exposure, so there is no need to wrap them and the medium-sized heads have good holding ability. This colourful cauliflower is a great way to encourage children to eat their veg – the colour becomes even stronger on cooking. Days to maturity from transplanting: 60-70.Height: 45cm (18″). Spread: 60cm (24″).
Sowing Information
Sow Cauliflower seed from March to June. Direct sow outdoors into a well prepared seedbed, for transplanting to their final positions later on. Sow at a depth of 1cm (½”) and distance of 30cm (12″) between rows. Cauliflower plants can be transplanted to their final positions approximately 5 weeks from sowing.
Alternatively sow Cauliflower seed indoors at a depth of 1cm (½”) 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.
