Cauliflower : Gitano F1 Hybrid (Autumn)

Vegetable

• Crops in : September to November

Description

A Romanesco type, which is one of the most nutritious brassicas you can grow. Cauliflower Gitano has deep green heads with an erect pyramidal curd full of spirals, ideal for harvesting mid September to November. Shows good mildew and cold weather resistance.

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds late April to June. Sow seeds thinly into well raked soil, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart.

Alternatively for early sowings sow seeds thinly, 7mm (¼in) deep in pots filled with a free draining compost under glass. Lightly cover seed with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Transplant these sowings into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on in a cool glasshouse or coldframe until large enough to plant outside.

Growing Instructions

Thin seedlings when large enough to handle, and transplant about 5 weeks from sowing, 60cm (2ft) apart each way. Plant thinly, water well until established.

Nutritional Information

Cauliflowers are a good source of Vitamin C and are low in calories, making them a healthy diet snack.

Kitchen Notes

Sweet and delicious enough to eat raw as snacks, in salads, as crudités or in stir fries. Curds are best steamed or microwaved in minimal water as a cooked vegetable, as this helps retain much of their colour.