About

Brassica 'Whitex' is a premium annual cauliflower known for its pure white curds that resist discoloration and offer excellent flavor. This variety can be harvested from July to October.

About the genus

Brassicas encompass annual, biennial, and perennial varieties, typically characterized by their upright growth habit, alternate leaves that are often glaucous, and prominent taproots. The flowers are arranged in clusters and take on a cross shape, usually appearing in yellow or white. This genus includes several species cultivated for food production, including cabbages, turnips, mustards, and oilseed rape, alongside those that are valued for ornamental purposes.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Annual Biennial
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
1 year
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Architectural

Care notes

Cultivation
Prefers moist but well-drained, alkaline soil in a sunny position. Sow seed from March to May outside, or under glass January to February. Plant out plug plants from May to June when the risk of frost has passed. Water regularly in dry periods and add a mulch. Cover the heads (curds) with the larger leaves to protect from sun. See cauliflower cultivation for further advice
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to caterpillars, cabbage whitefly, aphids, flea beetles and slugs and snails
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to black rot, downy mildew, foot and root rot, grey mould, leaf spot and white blister