Growers invited to review new and current cauliflower genetics at Duchy College 2025–2026 Field Open Days
Hayle & St Ives, Cornwall — Growers are warmly invited to attend the Duchy College 2025 ...
Hayle & St Ives, Cornwall — Growers are warmly invited to attend the Duchy College 2025-2026 Autumn & Winter Cauliflower Trials Field Open Days, a series of events showcasing the latest commercial cauliflower genetics alongside proven standards.
These open days provide a valuable opportunity for collaboration, networking, and the exchange of knowledge across the horticultural sector.
All of the Field Open Day’s will take place on Thursday 20 November 2025, at 2-4pm at Trevarnon Farm, Gwithian, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 5EB, by kind permission of Pat Hosking and Nikki and Tim Powell.
The second Open Day will be held on Thursday 22 January 2026, 2–4pm, followed by an evening Brassica Conference at Tregenna Castle Hotel, St Ives.
The final event of the season will be held on Thursday 5 March 2026, from 2-4pm, offering growers a final opportunity to review the trials and share findings.
This year’s programme, supported by Hutchinsons, the local horticultural industry, international seed companies, and Duchy College, is one of the most comprehensive to date.
It features 81 commercial cauliflower varieties from nine international seed houses—an 11% increase on last year highlighting cutting-edge genetics.
Around 17,500 cauliflower plants have been planted for the main autumn–winter trial, with two planting dates replicated to assess how timing affects crop development, pest and disease pressure, and harvest timing.
Peter Waldock of Hutchinsons emphasised the importance of these events, noting that the chance to view promising new cauliflower genetics alongside established varieties offers invaluable insight for both local and visiting growers.
Sophie Rapson, Trials Manager at Duchy College, added that this season is already providing key data and lessons, from early planting challenges to initial harvest performance.
“By planting on two separate dates, we can closely monitor how small changes in timing influence growth and development,” she explained. “Our findings will help fine-tune optimal planting dates and improve understanding of how weather, pest dynamics, and crop growth affect harvest results.”
Dr Tim Lacey, Fresh Produce Manager at Hutchinsons, commented: “Hutchinsons has long been part of brassica growing in the Southwest, and we’re delighted to support these events again. Last year’s Open Days were a great success, drawing growers, seed trade representatives, local industry professionals, and researchers from across the region.”
These Field Open Days are a cornerstone of the Duchy College cauliflower trials, providing a forum for sharing agronomic insights, discussing breeding progress, and supporting innovation in brassica production.
For more information or to register attendance, please contact Sophie Rapson, Trials Manager, Duchy College, at Sophie.rapson@duchy.ac.uk or on 07980 932 305.
BASIS and NroSO points will be available at each of the events.
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