Cornwall Cauliflower Trials: Until Next Season

The recent cauliflower trials in Cornwall provided a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to assess the performance of OBS varieties under winter conditions. Kelly Rowlands, Account Manager at Tozer, attended multiple sessions and shared her insights on the trials’ outcomes and their significance for the UK market.

Cornwall was strategically chosen for these trials due to its climatic similarities to Brittany, a key cauliflower-growing region. With a high volume of winter cauliflower production, the region provided an ideal setting to introduce OBS varieties to the UK market.

Evaluating Performance in the Field

The primary aim of these visits was to observe OBS trial varieties at various growth stages alongside established market varieties. Industry professionals including growers, packers, agronomists, and seed houses came together to assess key characteristics such as curd cover, density, colour, disease resistance, and plant vigour.

“We compared the maturity of these varieties with those observed in Brittany,” Kelly explained. “Their ability to withstand winter conditions was particularly impressive.”

Superior Winter Resilience

The selected OBS varieties available through Tozer, are bred especially for winter production, featuring vigorous, upright foliage that protects against frost. Additionally, many of these varieties exhibit excellent resistance to mycosphaerella, a crucial factor in ensuring crop health and yield.

“So far, feedback from growers has been very positive,” Kelly noted. “The OBS varieties have demonstrated excellent yields, with dense, heavy curds and outstanding disease resistance.”

Market Response and Next Steps

The response from UK growers has been encouraging, with strong interest in the varieties both in Cornwall and beyond. Most of the trial-planted varieties are now concluding their cycle, with only a few still being harvested. “The majority of OBS varieties are now commercially available, with just a few still restricted in numbers,” Kelly confirmed. “They are particularly suited for growers producing cauliflower from November to March.”

Looking ahead, the Duchy Trials will continue in winter 2025, introducing even more OBS varieties to further refine and expand their presence in the UK market.

These trials underscore the importance of innovation in breeding and selection, ensuring that UK growers have access to high-quality, resilient cauliflower varieties suited for winter cultivation.

Explore our full range of cauliflower varieties here: Cauliflower Brochure.

For more information, contact Kelly Rowlands:
E: kelly.rowlands@tozerseeds.com
M: +44 7736 933566