Cauliflower Fail

I have real problems growing a cauliflower with good, firm, white curds and this season is no exception. Check out this spaced out specimen...

Cauliflower continues to perplex me. These plants were grown in the same bed as broccoli and the broccoli has produced amazingly well. Heaps of nice little heads and months of sides shoots. The cauli on the other hand, looked all nice and white and compact until it was the size of a toddlers fist, at which point I gently folded over a few leaves to blanch the head. All went well for a week or so then WHAM bits of green and yellow cauliflower started shooting and curling up randomly.

So what could be the problem? Soil consistently moist? Check! Soil full of organic matter such as compost and manure? Check! Fortnightly applications of seaweed solution or weed tea? Check! I've babied these bludgers! Luckily the distorted, yellowed florets still taste yummy, as do the succulent leaves.

I don't know which variety these cauliflowers were as they were purchased as some unmarked seedlings from a local market. Next season I might see if I have more luck with the purple variety  'Violet Sicilian' or stick to the 'Romanesco' broccoli that is very cauliflower-like and is much easier to grow.

Anyone else having similar problems? Anyone super successful and willing to pass on their growing wisdom?