Kern 8892 F1 Cauliflower

Cauliflower is known by the scientific name Brassica oleracea. Kern Cauliflower (8892) is a cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the same family as broccoli, kale, and cabbage. It is an annual plant that reproduces by seed. It has a thickened stem and large, rounded leaves that resemble collards. It produces an edible head that is a firm, succulent, white, or ivory cluster of immature flowers. The head has a bumpy texture and a mild, sweet, and nutty flavor. It is high in vitamins C and K and can be cooked or eaten raw. It has different varieties for different seasons and regions, such as spring, summer, autumn, and winter cauliflowers. It is a cool-weather crop that thrives in temperatures between 21 and 29 °C (70 and 85 °F) during the day. It needs moist, sandy, loamy soil with lots of organic matter that drains well. It requires consistent irrigation and fertilization to produce large and firm heads. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.8 for optimal growth. Cauliflower is sensitive to light and needs at least 10 hours of daylight to form heads. It also needs protection from pests and diseases, such as clubroot, cabbage loopers, cabbage whites, and aphids.

Kern Cauliflower 8892 has high yield potential, with early maturity, they have good tolerance to heat and good blanching.
Maturity (DAT): 55-60 days
Curd weight: 700-800 grams
Leaf colour: bluish green
Curd compactness: Good
Curd shape: Dome
Disease tolerant: Moderately tolerant to black rot
Yield: (a) First-season: 125–150 q/ha. (b) Middle and last seasons: 200–300 q/ha. It is a high-yielding, short-lived, good blanching, and heat-tolerant crop.

Soil: Kern Cauliflower 8892 requires moist sandy loam that contains abundant organic matter and has adequate drainage. The soil pH should be within the optimal range of 5.5 and 6.8. Before sowing the seeds, these steps should be performed: - Incorporate aged manure (20-25 days old) or compost into the soil. - Plough the soil deeply and eradicate any weeds. - Compact the soil by treading it thoroughly, as cauliflower necessitates well-firmed ground for growth.
Water: Kern Cauliflower 8892 needs plenty of water and fertilizer to grow well. It is recommended to water regularly with 2 inches of water per square foot each week, or more if the soil is dry.
Temperature: It is a cool-weather crop that thrives in temperatures between 21 and 29 °C (70 and 85 °F) during the day. It needs lower temperatures (5-30°C) for curd formation, otherwise, it may develop disorders like riceyness, leafy curd, and blindness.
Light: Kern Cauliflower 8892 is sensitive to light and needs at least 10 hours of daylight to form heads.
Sowing: Kern Cauliflower 8892 seeds are sown in nursery beds and transplanted to the main field after 25-30 days. The sowing depth should be 1-2 cm and the method of sowing can be dibbling or transplanting.
Time of Sowing: (I) First season: June to July, (ii) Mid-season: August to September
Time of planting: (a) First season- July to August. (b) Mid-season-September to October
Seed Sowing Rate: (I) First season: 700-800 kg/ha (ii) Mid-season: 400-500 kg/ha
Planting distance is first-season: 45 cm x 45 cm, mid-season: 60 cm x 45 cm. The seeds are sown in nursery beds and transplanted to the main field after 25-30 days. The sowing depth should be 1-2 cm and the method of sowing can be dibbling or transplanting.
Fertilizer: Kern Cauliflower 8892 needs a rich soil filled with nitrogen, as well as potassium and phosphorus. A high-nitrogen fertilizer should be applied 3 to 4 weeks after transplanting, and again when the plants start to form heads. You can also use organic manure or compost to improve soil fertility. For a field with low carbon and molybdenum, use these during field preparation: - 200 quintals of compost - 100 kg of nitrogen - 80 kg each of sulphur and potash - 10-15 kg of borax - 1 kg of sodium molybdate or ammonium molybze.
Insect pest: Kern Cauliflower 8892 resists black rot but not insect pests such as aphids, diamondback moths, cabbage butterflies, cutworms, and head borer. Use the insect-proof mesh, neem oil, or Dimethrate 30% EC (1.5 ml/L) to control them.
Disease control: Kern Cauliflower 8892 is susceptible to rot, black rot, fusarium wilt, ring spot, leaf spot, and downy mildew. To prevent these diseases, dip the seedlings in streptomycin or plantomycin solution before transplanting. Spray 2 g/L of Indofil M.45 or 3 g/L of Blytox (fungicide)as needed.
Weed: Kern Cauliflower 8892 competes poorly with weeds, so you should keep the planting site weed-free by hoeing or mulching. You can also use herbicides selectively, but avoid contact with the crop.
Companion plants: Plant coriander, dill, or marigold to attract ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
Harvesting: Cauliflower Kern 8892 mature within 55-60 days. Harvest cauliflower when the heads are 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in diameter, white, firm, and smooth. Cut them with a sharp knife, leaving some stems and leaves attached.
Storage: Store unwashed Kern Cauliflower 8892 in a cold, moist place in a damp cloth or perforated bag for 2-4 weeks. Freeze, pickle, or dry it to preserve it longer. Freeze: blanch, cool, drain, and pack. Pickle: cut, pack, and cover with vinegar and spices. Dry: slice, spread, and dry until crisp.