overwintering cauliflowers

[growbag]

I planted "All year round " Cauli seeds a month or so ago to overwinter for spring in a cold frame . They grew really well so I potted them on into 8" pots. They are now getting really big. Should I plant them out on my plot with some protection. I didnt expect them to grow so fast.
Any advice gratefully recieved.

[Snadger]

You've just reminded me I've got to sow mine this weekend! I would think an August sowing would be too advanced to withstand the winter? but must admit it's the first time I've grown them 'All Year Round' Lol

[growbag]

Was I too early then? I actually bought a couple of plants fron the garden centre, I coildnt resist & they are even larger. They look so lovely & healthy. What if I cover them with a large cloche of fleece? Havent grown them before.

[veg4681]

Me too! I need to sow the AYR cauli seeds this weekend. Anyway I read from Real Seeds website that they don't sell Autumn sowing cauli because it's really not worth it...what taking far too long you might as well go for the ones sown in Spring. As disappointed as I was to hear this, I decided to go ahead anyway as a trial and find for myself what I like best.

Further winter project seeds just arrived today; Spring Greens (Vanguard) and Lettuce (Winter Density) and various lovely Oriental leaf stuffs but only Chinese Kale (Kailaan) and Choy Sum are possible for sowing now.

[growbag]

Think I'll protect them then and see what happens like you as a trial seedling

[Snadger]

Was I too early then? I actually bought a couple of plants fron the garden centre, I coildnt resist & they are even larger. They look so lovely & healthy. What if I cover them with a large cloche of fleece? Havent grown them before.

Haven't got the seed packet with me but seem to remember it advocating September sowing for overwintering? Having said that, if they are in a greenhouse or polytunnel or covered with a cloche, an early sowing may give an early crop? If they don't form curds, you could always eat the leaves as a spring cabbage substitute!

[growbag]

will let you know how they do. Thanks everyone

[Alice]

I'd definately be interested to hear how that one goes. This year is my first ever success with cauliflower. I'm happy with that - but if I could get winter ones - weeeell - I could give it a go.

[mrskp]

Sown a tray of AYR this morning as a result of reading this thread.

I've no idea where I'm going to plant 24 of them if they all germinate. Guess I'll think about that in Spring.

[Sue]

Hi
I've got three growing, plants given to me by our allotment sec so I should think he knows what he's doing... he's got them growing with only net for cover - he doesn't do fleece.
Sue

[Farmer_Gyles]

my All Year Round caulis have sprouted in the seed tray ... transplanting into plugs within the next few days ... got enough to experiment ... i'll have some of them in the ground under plastic cloche, some without cover, and some in the greenhouse in pots

[mrskp]

Keep us updated FG, then I can see how mine are doing against yours.

[Farmer_Gyles]

will do mrskp!

[Snadger]

my All Year Round caulis have sprouted in the seed tray ... transplanting into plugs within the next few days ... got enough to experiment ... i'll have some of them in the ground under plastic cloche, some without cover, and some in the greenhouse in pots

Yeah, I fancy sticking a few brassicas in pots in the greenhouse over winter, hopefully for an early crop and secondly so the greenhouse doesn't look so bare!

[moggssue]

I have about 20 baby caulis in my veg plot, reading this thread maybe I should have kept them indoors until spring? Won't they stand the winter out there? I could pop my cold frame over them? (And I do mean babies, they're only an inch or two high with their first seed leaves, I sowed them directly into the bed!).