What's eating my cauliflower?

Cauliflower is a magnet for brassica pests. Cabbage white caterpillars are the top threat, capable of destroying a developing curd. Aphids hide in the heart, cabbage root fly weakens transplants, and pigeons strip leaves in winter. Fine-mesh netting over plants from day one is the single most effective and least toxic defense.

Caterpillars consume leaves and bore into developing curds, making the head inedible with frass contamination. Net with insect-proof mesh; inspect and hand-pick larvae; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray targeting early-instar caterpillars.

Waxy gray colonies inside the plant and on the curd surface; cause curling, yellowing, and contamination. Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil into the heart of the plant; encourage syrphids and parasitic wasps.

Maggots eat roots, causing transplants to wilt and collapse, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Use brassica root collars at transplanting; cover with fine mesh; avoid planting in the same bed as the previous year.

Flock feeding strips leaves to bare midribs ('skeleton' leaves); worst in winter and early spring on overwintered crops. Cover plants with bird-proof netting; use bird-scaring line or reflective tape; check nets weekly for gaps.