How To Harvest Cauliflower

How To Harvest Cauliflower

Botanical name    :   Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Family                    :   Cruciferae 

Chromosome No :   2n, = 18

                                                                                     

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea variety Botrytis) is a very popular vegetable among the cabbage family vegetables. It has short, dense stems, circular leaves, tap root system is branched. Its main developed part develops in the form of flowers, which are usually white in colour. The colour of the flowers varies according to the varieties such as white, creamy white, yellow, green or red. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana and Maharashtra are the major areas of cauliflower production, due to the development of new varieties of cauliflower, it is now being grown in non-traditional areas - Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

History and Origin - Probably the birthplace of cauliflower is Italy or some part of Southern Europe of the Mediterranean region. But the birthplace of Indian cabbage is India. In the wild state, its plants are still found growing on the coastal chalk rocks of England. Cauliflower was already popular in Britain in 1860 AD. Its cultivation in India started during the Mughal period. It is cultivated all over India.

Cauliflower is used to make vegetables, pickles and pakoras. Cauliflower is boiled and used alone or with potatoes, pickles and as a pulao with rice. In season, it is cut into small pieces and dried in the sun and after the season is over, they are used as vegetables.

Nutritive value – Protein, calcium and vitamins A and C are found in abundance in cauliflower. The food value of cauliflower is given in the table -

(Nutrition Value of Cauliflower per 100 gm) 

Moisture                     : 90.00 g Protein                        : 2.60 g Fat                              : 0.40 g Fibre                           : 1.20 g Minerals                     : 1.90 g Other Carbohydrates : 4.00 g Magnesium                : 20.00 mg Thiamine                   : 0.04 mg Calories                     : 30.00 mg Riboflavin                 : 0.10 mg Nicotinic Acid          : 1.00 mg Oxalic Acid              : 19.00 mg Phosphorus               : 57.00 mg Iron                           : 1.50 mg Sodium                     : 53.00 mg Potassium                 : 113.30 mg Vitamin C                 : 6.00 mg Vitamins  'A'             : 51.00 IU

    How Do You Plant Cauliflower

Climate - Cauliflower is a vegetable grown in temperate climate. Temperature plays a special role in cauliflower production. Because temperature affects the vegetative growth, flower formation and reproductive stages of cauliflower. Cauliflower can be grown at an average temperature of 5-8°C to 25-28°C. During vegetative growth, some varieties require a minimum of 10°C and some varieties require high temperatures up to 40°C for a few days. 23°C temperature is optimum for the growth of small plants, while 17°20°C temperature is appropriate at the stage of maturity. In temperate regions, when the temperature exceeds 0°C, their growth stops, while in plain areas and other tropical regions, it can grow well at a temperature of 35°C. Flowers are easily formed in them at a temperature of around 30°C. Different varieties require specific temperatures for flower formation. If the temperature is high, the vegetative growth of the crop is good, if the temperature is low, then small flowers are formed in that situation. Excessive fluctuations in temperature during flower formation can cause some disorders in flower formation.

Soil - Cauliflower can be easily grown in sandy loam to clay loam soils with proper drainage. Also, these soils should be fertile. Normal deep loamy soils are considered ideal for cauliflower production.

Cauliflower should not be grown in highly acidic soils. Soils with a pH value of 5.5-6.5 are considered the best for its successful production. Highly alkaline soils are also considered to be an obstacle to its successful production.

Improved Varieties

Cauliflower is divided into two different groups namely tropical and temperate. More varieties are available in tropical group which are grown in different temperature areas. Its varieties are divided into 4 groups based on the maturity of the crop and the temperature required for flowering. Out of these, 3 groups are of Indian typical cauliflower and the fourth is Snowball, which is called Erfrut or Alpha type. Indian cauliflower seeds can be grown in the plains of northern India, while Snowball type cauliflower seeds can be grown in the hilly areas of India. Major improved/hybrid varieties are mentioned below—

Variety	Flower		Yield tonne/ha	Recommended states for growing
	Colour	Density
September maturing varieties
Ageti Quarry	Yellow	Loose	6-8	Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Pant Gobhi -3	Cream	Dense	8-10	Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi.
Pusa Early Synthetic	Cream	Dense	10-11	Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Maharashtra.
October maturing varieties
Pusa Deepali	White	Dense	10-12	Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Delhi.
Pusa Katki	Cream	Dense	7-8	Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.
Varieties maturing in November
Hisar 1	Cream	Dense	8-10	Haryana
IIHR 101	Creamy	Dense	10-11	Bihar and Karnataka
IIHR 105	Creamy	Dense	10-11	Bihar and Karnataka
Improved Japanese	Creamy White	Very Dense	16-18	Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Punjab
Pant Gobhi 2	Creamy White	Dense	12-13	Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar
PG 26	Cream	Dense	15-19	Punjab, Haryana
PG 35	Cream	Dense	15-19	Punjab, Haryana
Pusa Hybrid  2	Creamy White	Very Dense	25-28	Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana.
Pusa Sharad	White	Dense	20-26	Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar and Orissa
December maturing varieties
Pusa Himjyoti	White	Dense	22-25	Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Pusa Shubha	White	Dense	20-22	For all cauliflower producing areas of India.
Pusa Synthetic	Creamy White	Dense	22-24	Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Pat Shubha	White	Dense	19-20	West Bengal, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.
Snowball Group
Daniya	White	Dense	20-22	For eastern parts of India.
Pusa Snowball 1	White like snow	Dense	22-25	Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan.
Pusa Snowball K1	Late White	Very Dense	25-30	Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
Snowball	White like snow	Dense	20-22	Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Bihar Delhi.

 

Raising seedlings in the nursery

Cauliflower is propagated by seeds. Seeds are first sown in the nursery. When to sow the seeds in the nursery depends on the variety being grown and the temperature. Special care is required to prepare seedlings of Indian cauliflower because the temperature is not suitable for them. For growing varieties of this group, the width of the nursery should not be more than 60 cm, so that water reaches the middle of the nursery easily. Wide drains should be made between two beds. To protect the nursery from dry and hot air, it should be covered with 'Sirki'. Water should be filled in the drains every evening. Arrangements should be made to protect the nursery of the group maturing in October-November from heavy rain. Therefore, they should be grown in plastic tunnels. It is relatively easier to prepare seedlings of the Snowball group and those maturing in December. Because at that time the climate is suitable for growing them. Raised beds (15 cm) should be made for the production of seedlings in the rainy season.

 How Long Does It Take For Cauliflower To Grow

A high place should be chosen for the construction of the nursery, which should be dug several times. 10 kg of compost manure should be added per square meter. Before sowing the seeds, 0.3% Captan or Thiram solution should be sprayed. 5 liters of solution should be sprayed per square meter.

Before sowing the seeds, they should be treated with Captan or Thiram (3 g/kg) or Bavistin (2 g/kg) to protect the plants from fungal diseases. However, to protect the plants from seed-borne diseases, it is absolutely necessary to treat them with 50°C hot water for 30 minutes. The quantity of seeds depends on the time of their cultivation. 450-700 grams of seeds are sufficient for early varieties, and 300-500 grams of seeds per hectare are sufficient for mid and late varieties. Seeds are sown in blocks at a distance of 7-8 cm. After sowing seeds, they are covered with good soil and sieved cow dung manure and the beds are covered with dry grass before watering. Initially, water should be given in the beds through sprinklers and later through drains. As soon as the germination of seeds starts, the grass should be removed. To protect the nursery plants from damp rot, after germination, they should be soaked with 0.2% solution of captan or thiram.

Land preparation - Land preparation has a special place in the successful production of cauliflower. Therefore, its preparation should be done well. First ploughing should be done with a soil turning plough. After that, run the cultivator or harrow 2-3 times across. After every ploughing, definitely use a leveller so that the soil becomes soft and flat.

Manure and Fertilizer - For successful cauliflower production, it is recommended to apply 40-70 tons of cow dung manure, 60-150 kg nitrogen, 50-80 kg phosphorus and 60-120 kg potash per hectare in tropical climate areas. In the areas of northern and central India, it is recommended to apply 150 kg nitrogen and 60 kg phosphorus per hectare. Cow dung manure should be spread evenly in the field before the first plowing. Half the amount of nitrogen and full amount of phosphorus and potash should be applied at the time of final plowing and the remaining half amount of nitrogen should be given as top dressing in 2-3 times. 1.2% urea should be sprayed every week after 20 days of transplantation. Because by doing this the growth of plants increases and the yield is also more.

Transplantation - After sowing seeds in the nursery, the plants are ready for planting in 3-6 weeks. The seedlings of early varieties are ready for planting in 5-6 weeks, while the seedlings of medium and late varieties are ready in 3-4 weeks. The seedlings of cauliflower of September and October group are planted in the beginning of July and August respectively. The seedlings of medium varieties are planted in September and October, while the seedlings of Snowwall and late varieties are planted in the first week of November.

For the early formation of cauliflower flowers, it is very important to treat the roots of the plants, which is mentioned below.

Make a solution of IBA (1 mg/liter) + ammonium sulphate and super phosphate (1:2). Then before planting, dip the roots of the plants in this solution and then plant.

There is a difference in planting distance according to the time of planting and variety. The group of cauliflower which is ready in the month of September should be planted on ridges at a distance of 60 cm x 30 cm. Whereas the planting distance of mid-season and late varieties is considered ideal at 60 cm x 40 cm.

Irrigation and water drainage

The first irrigation should be done immediately after planting. The number of irrigations and their frequency depends on the weather, soil type and variety. There should be no shortage of moisture in the soil at the time of growth and flower formation of the plants. Irrigation in the three varieties of cauliflower, early and mid, depends on monsoon rains. Planting of these two groups of cauliflower should be done on ridges. Irrigation is done in furrows. 5-8 irrigations are required during the period of cauliflower. Due to heavy irrigation, water gets collected, which is very harmful for the crop. Therefore, proper arrangement should be made to drain it.

   How Far Apart To Plant Cauliflower

Weed Control

Many weeds grow along with the cauliflower crop, which take moisture and nutrients from the soil, which adversely affects the development and growth of the plants. Weeds also provide shelter to pests and diseases, so their control is very important. Planting the cauliflower crop at a greater distance, using more irrigation and more manure and fertilizers causes more weeds to grow. Weeding should be done as per requirement to control weeds. Weeding should be done shallowly because cauliflower is a shallow rooted crop.

If the crop is grown on a large scale, there is a problem of workers, then in that situation it is appropriate to use herbicides. Spraying 2.0-3.0 kg of Stomp (Pendimethalin) or Vasalin (Fluchloralin) before planting gets rid of the problem of weeds. Along with the herbicide, weeding should be done once or twice. 

Crop Protection

Insects-

(1) Champa (Bivicoryne brassicae, Lipakis erysimi) - Both these types of champa suck the juice of the leaves, while the champa named L. erysimi spoils the quality of flowers.

Control-

- Spray 4% extract of neem kernels.

- Mustard should be grown as a trap crop.

0.02% oxydemeton can also be sprayed.

(2) Stem Borer (Hellula undaelis) - The larvae of this insect bore the main stem immediately after transplantation and the top is not formed in the infested plants. They attack the older plants and eat the central vein or veins.

Control-

- Mustard should be grown along with cauliflower. There should be 50-60 plants per square meter, by doing this the stem borers go to the mustard plants.

(3) Diamond Back Moth (Pilutella axilostella) – It is a dreadful pest of flowering crops worldwide. Due to its infestation, a lot of leaves fall. If its infestation is more, aborts are formed on the flowers. In the plains, 80-20 percent of the yield is lost during hot weather.

Control –

- Indian mustard should be grown as ‘trap crops’ along with the crop.

- Spray 40% extract of Neemgiri.

(4) Leaf Webber (Crocidolomia binotalis) – Group of hairy larvae damage the leaves and tops and they rot.

Control –

- When flower formation starts, spray 4% solution of Neem extract.

- Spray 0.05% phosphamidon.

(5) Gram Caterpillar (Helicoverpa armigera) - The solitary larvae which are hairy make holes in the flowers which are not edible.

Control -

- This pest is very difficult to control, specially the larger larvae.

- To control the smaller larvae 0.1% endosulfan should be sprayed.

- The larger larvae should be caught by hand and destroyed.

How To Harvest Cauliflower

Diseases -

(1) Damping off - This disease is caused by fungi of Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora species and Pythium species. This disease spreads in the nursery, the disease spreads at the base of the stem or at the soil level. The tissues of the plants become waterlogged and fall off quickly. The pathogens spread before or after germination due to which the plants die.

Control -

- The nursery soil should be soaked in formalin 20 days before sowing the seeds. 5 liters of formalin should be dissolved in 100 liters of water and sprayed. Sow the seeds when the soil becomes fungus free.

- Always sow seeds treated with hot water.

- Treat the seeds with a solution of carbendazim (0.2%) before sowing.

- Spray Mancozeb (0.25%) solution before damping off. - Do not make nursery at the same place every year.

(2) Black rot- This disease is caused by a fungus called Xanthomonas campestris pv campestris, wounds are made by insects on the edges of the leaves. The tissues of the affected area become yellow and chlorotic center. Due to which they wilt and become like the letter V, which grows from the base towards the middle vein, which later becomes black and later rots.

Control-

- Before sowing the seeds should be soaked in tap water for 30 minutes, after that they should be kept in hot water of 52°C temperature for 30 minutes and later treated in 'Streptocycline' solution (1 gram/10 liter water) for 30 minutes. Then they should be dried in shade. - When the flowers are formed, then a solution of streptomycin (10 g/100 liters of water) should be sprayed.

- Follow a biannual crop rotation.

(3) Stalk Rot - This disease is caused by a fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The plants affected by the disease turn dull white-green and finally turn yellow. Dark brown to black spots are formed on the stems which grow and cover the stem up to the ground level. The stem rots, the flowers lose their density after which symptoms of white wilting appear.

Control-

- The affected parts should be separated and burnt.

- A mixture of carbendazim (0.05%) and mancozeb (0.25%) should be sprayed at an interval of 10-15 days from the time of flower formation to the formation of pods. (4) Downy mildew – This disease is caused by a fungus called ‘Pernospora parasitica’. This disease causes dark brown sunken spots on the stem which later leads to the growth of downy mildew. Purple-brown spots are formed on the lower surface of the leaves. This disease causes more damage to the flowers as the flowers rot.

Control –

- Before sowing the seeds, hot water treatment should be done.

- Then treat the seeds with 0.3% thiram.

- Remove the affected part of the flower and spray 0.3% copper oxide.

- Spray the crop with 0.2% mancozeb at an interval of 10-15 days. Do the first spraying as soon as the disease infests.

- Do not allow weeds to grow in the field.

- Follow crop rotation.

Harvesting – It is very important to harvest cauliflower on time. Cauliflower should be harvested when the flowers are fully developed and have their true colour and are solid. If the fruits are not harvested on time, their marketing value decreases because the flowers become dull and loose. Medium sized, white and solid flowers fetch good price in the market. The plant is cut below the flower with a sharp knife, sickle or hoe. Plucking of leaves depends on the transportation of flowers. When the flowers are packed in boxes, most of the leaves are plucked. If they are packed in jute bags, the inner leaves are left to cover the flowers and other leaves are removed. If the flowers are transported loose, more leaves are kept in it and they are removed when they reach the market.

Yield - The yield of cauliflower depends on many factors, the main ones among them being the fertility of the land, the variety grown, the weather and the care of the crop. Early varieties of cauliflower give an average yield of 60-100 quintals per hectare, while mid-season and late varieties give a yield of 250-300 quintals.