As much as 25% of the British cauliflower crop will be ploughed back into the ground because it can't be sold.

Growers in the West Country have been forced to leave crops to bolt in the field in recent weeks because warm, wet conditions are advancing the plants too quickly.

"It's been a dreadful season," said Alasdair McLennan, marketing manager at Cornish grower SEF.

"Prices were strong for a couple of weeks at the beginning of the season, but there's too much cauliflower about now and an awful lot is being passed. It won't go down as a good marketing year," he added.

Andy Johnson, marketing manager at organic veg box provider Riverford, said the season normally finished at the end of March but was already petering out in Cornwall.

"It will cost growers a lot. All that was needed was a little cold weather a couple of weeks ago to slow the crop down."