Anyone grown cauliflower Longships?

[fran]

I bought a few trays of veg plants today from Homebase. Wouldn't normally do that but too late to sow and allotment needs a top-up for over-wintering now I've dug up most of my spuds! Got about 10 v.small caulis Longships. I think Marshalls sell the seeds - but I cannot find any advice anywhere as to planting out small cauli plants at this time of year. Should I pot them up and keep them like that till Spring - then plant out? I've never grown cauli's before and realise they can be tricky. Might have to call Marshalls!

Any advice welcome!

[PAULW]

Cauliflower Longships Seeds at Marshalls Seeds

[shirlthegirl43]

From the info on PaulW's link, I guess you want to plant them out now and they should be established enough to withstand the winter. Harvest time bieng the start of the year indicates they are winter hardy.

[fran]

Thanks both! I had looked at that Marshalls page but was unsure as my plants are v.small indeed and wasn't sure if they wld grow big enough before badder weather!

[bazzaboy]

Wishing you joy with this endeavour, Fran, (caulis and celery invariably defeat me...). But whatever size they currently are, do carefully protect them from cabbage white butterflies which are still very active, particularly given this late burst of summer... Fine netting seems to be the only answer - even then they are quite likely to find a way in or lay eggs through it.... Vigilance! And a dressing of lime would do no harm either. b.

[fran]

Thanks Bazza. You were right to remind me.......I'll be growing them on in pots for a while then cover with enviromesh - tho it's quite difficult to handle I've found. Will make a frame.......