Planting Cauliflower to a Stand with Precision Seeding

Abstract

Field studies were conducted in Fall 1991 and 1992 to determine 1) if cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. Botrytis Group) could be precision-seeded to a stand without subsequent thinning and 2) the optimum seed spacing necessary to directly seed cauliflower to a stand. Seed spacings of 10, 20, and 30 cm at one seed per hill and 30 cm at two seeds per hill were evaluated for effect on yield, head weight, plant population, and early harvest percentage. As evaluated in the laboratory, seeder precision (accuracy) was good in regard to seed counts and spacing measurements at the various seed spacings. In the field, seeder precision varied in distribution patterns among seed spacings and years. Cauliflower directly seeded at one seed per hill and a 20-cm spacing produced yields and head weights similar to cauliflower seeded 10 cm apart and thinned to 30 cm—the seeding method currently used by some commercial operators.