overwintering cauliflowers

[Cutecumber]

What variety are they, Sue?

You can cloche them, yes, but not all types will be hardy enough, even then.

I was put off sowing late cauliflower (the winter type) in August by something I read - it said that they need to be a substantial plant to stand well over the winter. I went for spring cabbage instead.

I suspect that, forgetting the theory, success depends upon how strongly they grow now and how cold the winter. And I am afraid my crystal ball is rather cloudy today...

[moggssue]

Sorry, should have said, they are Patriot caulis. Oh well, probably a case of live and learn by the deaths. They are in a fairly sheltered part of the garden, and Bucks tends to be fairly mild, but I'm really not hopeful now, substantial plants they are not!

[Cutecumber]

But there's still growing time. It's not winter yet, honest.

[moggssue]

They are being mollycoddled and persuaded to grow a bit bigger and stronger before winter does arrive, I'll let you know what happens .....

[bario1]

Resurrecting this ancient thread - Mrs B1 has suddenly developed an insatiable appetite for cauliflowers, which she previously thought she disliked... so would a sowing of caulis started now stand over winter in a polytunnel and provide an early Spring crop? Anyone tried it? And which varieties might be best suited? Space is limited, so I'm looking for a compact variety.

[Thelma Sanders]

Not tried with cauli but can't see why it wouldn't work - cos it works with broccoli.

Try something like All Year Round.

[ron]

Alsmeer is a special over wintering variety which I grow