Cauliflower help

Hi All:

I planted several heads of cauliflower this year and have had some problems. The heads started out nicely and the leaves wrapped around the head which I assume they are supposed to do (Self-blanching?)

Anyway all of my heads have turned black and have stopped growing. The leaves continue to grow but the heads are dead.

Any ideas on what went wrong?

BB

When did you set them BB. A hard freeze just when the head is forming will sometimes cause that. Black rot is also a possibility although I have never encountered it here. http://nysipm.cornell.edu/elements/caul.asp
Cauliflower also has a very short harvest window, but the result is usually ricey straggly looking heads when you wait too long to harvest. http://www.agnr.umd.edu/MCE/Publications/Publication.cfm?ID=234&cat=C

Hi Farmerdill:

Actually now that you mention it, they did start to form right when we had that hard frost at the end of the year.

I guess I'll make sure I use row covers next year

Thanks

BB