Cauliflower in Hydroponic Systems
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is a widely cultivated vegetable known for its edible white flower head, commonly referred to as the "curd." It is a member of the Brassica family, which includes other vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, and is particularly favored for its versatility and nutritious profile.
Common and Alternative Names
- Common Name: Cauliflower
- Latin Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
- Alternative Names: White cauliflower, Broccoli cauliflower
Varieties
- Snowball (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
- Cheddar (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
- Purple Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
- Graffiti (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
Positive Identification
To distinguish cauliflower from similar plants, note the following:
- Height: 12 to 30 inches (30 to 76 cm)
- Width: 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm)
- Weight: 1 to 3 pounds (0.45 to 1.36 kg)
Toxic Look-Alikes
- Hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum)
- Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Common Parts of the Plant
| Part | Uses |
|---|---|
| Flower head (curd) | Consumed as a vegetable |
| Leaves | Cooking and animal feed |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25 kcal |
| Protein | 1.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4.97 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Vitamin C | 48.2 mg |
Performance in Hydroponic Systems
| Field | Range | Optimal Value |
|---|---|---|
| ECC | 1.5 - 2.5 | 2.0 |
| pH | 5.5 - 7.0 | 6.0 |
| TDS | 1,000 - 2,000 ppm | 1,500 ppm |
| Temperature | 60 - 75 °F (15 - 24 °C) | 65 °F (18 °C) |
| Amount of Sunlight Required | 6 - 8 hours | 8 hours |
| Hours Under Grow Light | 12 - 16 hours | 16 hours |
| Wattage of Grow Lights | 25 - 45 watts | 35 watts |
| Seasons to Plant | Spring, Fall | Spring |
| Seasons to Grow/Produce Food | 60 - 100 days | 70 days |
Compatibility with Hydroponics Systems
| Hydroponics System | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) | Good |
| Deep Water Culture (DWC) | Excellent |
| Wick System | Moderate |
| Drip System | Good |
Propagation Methods
- Cuttings: Not commonly used for propagation. Best to use seeds.
- Seeds: Sow seeds in early spring. Remove seedlings once they have several true leaves. Harvest seeds from plant at maturity, approximately 85-120 days after planting.
Growth Stages
From planting to harvest, the growth stages for cauliflower are as follows:
- Germination: 5-10 days
- Seedling: 2-4 weeks
- Vegetative: 4-6 weeks
- Flowering: Approximately 70-100 days to harvest
Approximately 1 to 5 pounds can be harvested from a single seed depending on growth conditions.
Common Pests
- Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)
- Cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae)
- Aphids (various species)
- Flea beetles (various species)
Citations
- [1] Cauliflower Production - https://www.agriculture.com/crops/crops/cauliflower-production
- [2] Nutritional Value of Cauliflower - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168016/nutrients
- [3] Hydroponic Cultivation and Its Benefits - https://www.hydroponicworld.com/hydroponic-cultivation-benefits
- [4] Common Pests of Cauliflower - https://www.pestcontrol.com/cauliflower-pests
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