Growing Cauliflower

My cauliflower is just starting to form the white center. Someone told me I need to tie the leaves over it. Is this true? When do I do it?

Covering the white cauliflower head blanches it keeping the sunlight out, the head white, and the flavor better. Tie leaves over the developing white flower head when it is about the size of a silver dollar. If the weather conditions are right your cauliflower will be full size and ready to pick in 7 to 12 days. If the leaves are too small pick a cabbage leaf or one of the cauliflower leaves and place it over the developing head. Self blanching cauliflower plants are also available. The leaves on these plants naturally curl over the developing head, eliminating the need to tie up the leaves.