Seven varieties were direct-seeded on July 13, 1977. All varieties except Pinnacle (Asmer Seed Co.) were from Elsoms, Ltd. Plot size was one 24-foot row with the stand thinned to approximately one foot between plants. An additional 225 pounds/acre of ammonium nitrate (34-0-0) was applied on February 2, 1978. Harvest commenced on March 16 and heads were harvested two or three times per week until May 8.
Armado April and Armado Quick were of highest overall quality with excellent head size, color, firmness, and flavor (Table 1). However, texture after freezing was somewhat poorer than most fall-harvested varieties, with a tendency toward mushiness (easy to overcook).
Armado April and Armado Quick also were least variable in head size with about 80 percent of heads falling within 25 percent of the mean. All other varieties produced smaller (average) center heads and one to several small side heads, greatly resembling sprouting broccoli in this respect. The high quality rating of April and Quick was attributable, in part, to their early harvest, before onset of warmer weather and insect and disease problems.
All varieties were adequately self-blanching, with Markanta superior in that respect. The winter of 1977-78 was generally mild, resulting in vigorous plants. However, the plants survived temperatures to 21°F and one severe ice storm in which a half-inch layer of ice destroyed the oldest leaves. Quality of June was totally unacceptable because of a tendency to riciness and formation of leaves in the heads.
This preliminary trial indicated that suitable varieties were available and provided encouragement for further variety trials.
Table 1. Yield of overwinter cauliflower varieties, 1978 Estimated yield Head size MeanZ Variety (tons/acre) (pounds/head) grade Harvest span Armado April 10.8 1.9 1.3 3/22 - 4/05 Armado May 9.1 1.1 1.5 3/31 - 4/12 Armado Quick 11.9 2.2 1.1 3/16 - 3/31 Armado Tardo 8.8 1.4 1.4 3/31 - 4/17 June 5.2 1.0 2.0 4/17 - 5/08 Markanta 9.6 1.3 1.6 3/31 - 4/12 Pinnacle 7.3 1.1 1.7 4/12 - 5/08 ZGrade 1 = 1.0 pound minimum (4.5 inch diameter), tight, free of defects. Grade 2 = less than 1 pound or overmature, ricey, discolored, etc.