Cauliflower 'Maystar'

Where to Plant
Plant Cauliflower 'Maystar' in a sunny position with fertile, firm, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Before planting, remove weeds and work in plenty of well-rotted garden compost or manure to improve the soil. Cauliflowers grow best without checks to their growth, so good soil preparation is particularly important for developing strong plants and well-formed heads.

Planting
Space plants around 45–60cm apart, with 60cm between rows. Plant each plug so the root ball sits securely in the soil, firm well around the roots and water thoroughly. Giving plants plenty of room reduces competition for water and nutrients and allows good airflow as they mature.

Watering & Feeding
Keep newly planted cauliflowers well watered while they establish and aim to maintain consistent soil moisture throughout their growth. This is particularly important as the heads begin to form, as allowing plants to become dry or stressed can affect the size and quality of the curds. Water thoroughly during dry spells rather than giving frequent light sprinklings. A mulch of well-rotted compost or organic matter will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Cauliflowers are hungry crops and benefit from fertile soil. Well-rotted compost or manure incorporated before planting will give them a good start, and a balanced vegetable fertiliser can be applied during the growing season to support healthy leafy growth and head development. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended application rate.

Winter Care
'Maystar' is grown to overwinter before producing its crop in spring. Established plants are hardy, but good drainage is essential during prolonged wet winter weather. In particularly cold or exposed gardens, young plants can be protected with horticultural fleece during severe weather. Check plants after hard frost or strong winds and gently firm the soil around any that have been loosened.

Looking After Developing Heads
Once the white curds begin to form, check plants regularly so you can harvest them while the heads are still firm and compact. Keep plants growing steadily with adequate moisture and nutrients, and avoid disturbing the roots when hoeing or weeding around them.

Pests & Problems
Protect young plants with insect-proof mesh or suitable netting to help reduce damage from cabbage white butterflies, cabbage root fly and pigeons. Put protection in place early, secure the edges carefully and leave enough room for the plants to develop underneath.

Check the undersides of leaves regularly for caterpillars and aphids so they can be dealt with before populations build up. Slugs and snails can also damage young plants, particularly during damp weather, so check around the base of plants regularly.

Good Companions
Cauliflower 'Maystar' can be grown alongside onions, garlic, beetroot and aromatic herbs such as thyme, sage and rosemary. Calendula and nasturtiums are useful additions nearby, bringing extra colour while attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects into the vegetable garden.

Plan Your Brassica Bed
Growing 'Maystar' alongside other brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli and kale can make your vegetable plot easier to manage. Keeping these crops together makes it simpler to protect the whole area with suitable netting or insect-proof mesh and helps you keep track of where brassicas have been grown from one year to the next.

Crop Rotation
Avoid planting cauliflower or other brassicas in the same area year after year. Moving them to a different part of your vegetable garden as part of a three- to four-year crop rotation helps reduce the build-up of soil-borne problems such as clubroot.

Reducing the Risk of Clubroot
Clubroot causes swollen, distorted roots and can leave plants stunted or prone to wilting. Once present in the soil it can persist for many years, so prevention is particularly important. Good drainage and sensible crop rotation can help reduce the risk, and avoid moving soil from an affected brassica bed into areas where you plan to grow future crops.

Harvest at the Right Time
Cut the curd while it is firm, tight and evenly white. Harvest promptly once it reaches a good size, as leaving it too long can cause the florets to loosen.

Cut with Protective Leaves
Harvest with a few wrapper leaves still attached to help protect the curd and keep it fresh until you're ready to prepare it.

Check Plants Regularly
Curds can develop quickly once they reach maturity, so inspect plants every few days during the harvesting period to enjoy them at their very best.

Flavour
'Maystar' is prized for its naturally sweet, nutty flavour and tender texture.

Best Enjoyed
Perfect for roasting, steaming, curries, soups and stir-fries, where its delicate flavour really shines.

Storage
Store unwashed in the fridge for up to a week. Leaving the wrapper leaves attached helps keep the curd fresher for longer.

Freezing
For the best texture, cut into florets, blanch for 2–3 minutes, cool quickly in iced water, drain thoroughly and freeze.

Plug Plants
Supplied as healthy young plants with well-developed roots, plug plants are ready to be planted straight into their final growing position or potted on if preferred. Water well on arrival and keep moist until established.

Garden Ready Plants
Our Garden Ready plants have been grown on for longer, making them larger and more robust. They can be planted straight into the garden with minimal fuss, giving you a useful head start towards your harvest.

9cm Potted Plants
Supplied in individual 9cm nursery pots, these well-established plants are ready to plant straight into vegetable gardens, raised beds or allotments. Simply plant, water well and keep the soil moist while they establish.

Upon Arrival
Remove your plants from their packaging as soon as they arrive and give them a thorough watering. If you can't plant them immediately, keep them in a cool, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and wind, ensuring the compost stays moist until you're ready to plant.