Why cauliflower does not form a head, but goes into an arrow - annoying mistakes of a novice gardener
Cauliflower is a valuable food product, so gardeners try to grow it in their gardens.
At first, everything goes well, and the young cabbage grows actively, delighting the owner with its appearance. But at one fine moment it becomes clear that instead of the long-awaited tasty head of cabbage, the plant produces an arrow. Why does this happen and what to do about it?
Reasons for the appearance of arrows in cauliflower
One of the main reasons for the appearance of arrows in cauliflower is late sowing time. The plant forms a dense head when growing in cool weather and with short daylight hours.
If the cabbage was sown too late, it will bolt in an attempt to produce seeds before winter sets in.
Warm summer weather "tells" cabbage that it is time to reproduce. This, by the way, also applies to other cruciferous plants. For example, radish, which does not form a root crop when sown in late May and in summer.
The problem is solved simply: cauliflower should be sown in early spring for seedlings, and then planted in the garden.
Another reason could be a lack of nutrients in the soil.
If the soil in which the cabbage is grown does not contain enough nutrients, the plant will produce a flower stalk as it tries to produce seeds in order to reproduce faster. This is a kind of survival instinct - when life is threatened, the plant tries to continue its lineage as actively as possible. Therefore, stressful situations provoke active fruiting in many crops.
Cauliflower requires soil rich in organic matter.
The best predecessors for cabbage are cucumbers, squash, pumpkins. A lot of organic matter is added for them, and the soil is deoxidized.
During the growth period, it is important not only to feed the plant, but also to water it regularly. A lack of water is stress for cabbage, activating the "instinct of reproduction".
Harvest the heads of cabbage on time, as they are unblown inflorescences.
If you leave the head of cabbage in the garden for too long, it will become loose and tasteless, because the flower stalks will begin to prepare to bloom.
