Growing Cauliflower

brassica oleracea var. botrytus botrytus : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S S                  
      T                
      P                

(Best months for growing Cauliflower in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 24 - 39 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-22 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

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09 Jul 08, michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi again Liz I live in Perth (WA) and we are at our coldest and possibly wettest time now!! I have about 15 plants and want to reduce it to however will grow in the tubs I described. Do you think 6 would still be overcrowded?
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07 Jul 08, Beth (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
I have Cauliflowers that have formed small heads which are visible. I suspect there is a problem as it is too soon for them to be mature. My query is- Will the head keep growing or should I harvest them now. I have covered the heads with outside cauli leaves to stop the sunlight yellowing them.
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06 Jul 08, rhonda khoury (Australia - temperate climate)
I am trying to grow cauliflowers successfully. The outer leaves which are long are going quite curly and look as if something is wrong. The head of the cauliflower is still very small and they have been in the ground for at least two months. Any ideas?
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30 Jun 08, K Harrison (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I have successfully grown a few Cauliflowers but have noticed that all the separate plants are growing all to a different length and I have also tried breaking off the leaves and draping them across the cores but they have all started going from brown to dark green and are not looking real good despite a great organic cow fertilizer soup, I would have thought that they would all grow to one big core, has anyone got any great idea's
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21 Jun 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Michael, I don't know which climate area you are in, but you can still plant out cauliflower seedlings during colder weather. In tubs, protected from frost they should grow well. They will spread their leaves to about 1 1/2 x 2 feet (40x60cm),bigger leaves mean better sized curds.
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19 Jun 08, Louisa (Unknown climate)
how much sun do they need?
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01 Jun 08, michael (Unknown climate)
Liz, can I still plant now? Also how much room does a single plant need? I want to grow cauli in large tubs if possible. They are about 2 by 5 feet in size and about 2 deep.
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01 Jun 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Annie, the curd keeps growing for quite a while but it is best picked while still white and firm. Each plant will grow at a different rate so they won't all be ready together.
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24 May 08, annie (Unknown climate)
Once the curd has started how long do you wait until it is ready to pick?
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04 Mar 08, caTh-eeee-riNe (Unknown climate)
how does a cauliflower grow?
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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