Cauliflower - Large - Cultivation
Large cauliflower is a cool-season vegetable that is grown for its sizeable head and thick stem. It requires at least six hours of full sun and grows in temperatures ranging from 60-68 degrees as it is extremely sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Covering and shading the plants, depending on the climate, will help regulate temperature. Large cauliflower also grows best in loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. It needs plenty of nutrients to form large heads and will require fertilizer with nitrogen and organic composts to replenish the nutrients in the soil. Mulching will also help keep the soil cool and retain moisture as the soil needs to be moist for optimum growth and to prevent buttoning, or the formation of small heads. Large cauliflower can be planted from seed and takes on average 2-3 months for the heads to mature. For white varieties, the heads need to be blanched, which is a process of wrapping leaves around the head to shield it from the sun and to maintain the white color. Large purple, orange, and green varieties naturally have leaves that cover the head, so no blanching is needed. 
