Cauliflower- discolouration and when to harvest

[Leezy2]

Hiya gurus,

I've some fine looking cauliflower this year which I was told would be ready for harvest late Nov, however:

They're pretty big and other than leaving them until they start to separate, how do you know when it's too late to harvest?

Also, one has developed some purple marks on the surface. Is this normal, bad, edible ....?

Thanks,
David.

[Greenleaves]

The purple is a harmless natural pigment in cauliflowers, usually caused by being exposed to the sun. I would cut them before they blow or you efforts will have been in vain.

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Yeah! as GL says!

But in future, snap the leaves and bend them inwards to cover the "Curd" that way you won't get that discolour!

[BUFFS]

pick them and blanche them, and they seem to go back to the white/cream colour easily enough..