This cauliflower is exceptional … but not ideal

To prevent discolouration, the Early Dwarf Erfurt is covered with aluminium foil. FW ARCHIVE

- 

A Paarl farmer found a Danish variety of cauliflower to be much better than any other for summer planting in the winter rainfall area.

An imported early cauliflower variety suitable for growing in summer in the Western Cape has had a great reception from the frozen food industry, and one farmer last season received as much as R3 [about R250] a dozen (nearly three times the normal price) at the Cape Town Market. The variety is being highly recommended for summer cultivation by EEC Galle, who is in charge of vegetable research in the winter rainfall region.

Galle has given a lot of thought to suitable cauliflower cultivars for winter and summer cultivation in his region. More suitable varieties are needed, and farmers complain that they cannot obtain satisfactory seed. Farmers who have developed their own varieties or propagate seed from adapted varieties are understandably reluctant to part with seed.

Most imported cauliflower cultivars vary tremendously in differing soil and climatic conditions, and Galle is convinced that a breeding programme will have to be undertaken to meet the specific requirements of the region. He has already started with techniques that are aimed at the successful vegetative propagation of cauliflower varieties, which will hasten such a programme.