Organic Cauliflower, Belot F1

Cauliflower: Belot F1
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Approx. 250-300 seeds per gram
Cauliflower is a very rewarding vegetable to grow. They are a member of the brassica family.
Years ago we planted some brassica seed that had lost their label. When they matured they didn’t look quite right and on closer inspection the hearts revealed the lovely white curds of a Cauliflower which was a delightful surprise, like finding treasure. Still, it is good practice to label your seed rows and keep good records!

Belot F1 is a high quality cauliflower for harvesting from late October to December. It has deep solid curds with upright outer leaves. Belot F1 shows good cold tolerance and stands well in the field with its well-wrapped inner leaves offering some weather protection.

How to grow:
Grow in the brassica section of your rotation.
Sow early varieties in modules, undercover from mid-February. Later sowings can be made in the brassica seed bed during April and May.
Transplant into permanent growing position from late March to July depending on sowing time, 60 cm apart. Your transplants should be about 12 cm tall. Transplant carefully and water well.
Most of our F1 varieties recommend direct planting. To do this plant 2 seeds directly into the growing site at a spacing of 60cm.
Thin to the strongest seedling and keep well-watered.
Harvest from Summer through until Autumn depending on your sowing time. The white curds should be well formed and tight. You need to pull back the covering leaves and check them regularly as harvest time approaches. Sometimes they seem to be ready almost overnight!
Pests and diseases:
The seedlings can be susceptible to slug damage and may need the use of environmentally friendly slug control.
The mature plants are affected by cabbage white butterfly caterpillars. The best way to protect them is to net with Environmesh during the Summer.
How to cook:
Simply steam Cauliflower as a vegetable accompaniment. They are also great in curry, in Cauliflower Cheese, and it is also an essential ingredient of Piccalilli.