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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27 Aug 19, Alex Ayerst (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Take plant out and compost. Leave for a while before replacing.
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27 Sep 13, raymond russell (Australia - arid climate)
hi I have the same promble plenety of leaves but no heads
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13 Sep 13, Paul (Australia - arid climate)
I have found the same thing with mine as well. I have not worked out why yet. Sorry I can't help you but thought I would let you know that you are not the only one. Good luck!
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11 Sep 13, Jo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
My cauliflowers have big healthy leaves...but no heads are coming they are about half a metre tall...now i read that they don't like warm temperatures. I live on coast KZN and summer is coming. what should i do? take them out...
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04 Oct 13, elna geringer (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would like to know the reply as well please Thanks
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12 Aug 13, Eddie Noble (Australia - temperate climate)
I am having problems with cauliflowers, they form a small head then they shoot away to become very spindly, what do you suggest the reason for this is.
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12 Aug 13, Lyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I had cauli growing beautifully in my raised bed until recently when the tight heads started to grow unevenly ie no longer in a tight bunch and spreading out and up seperately. They get sun for most of the day. Also, when do you harvest? The stalks are still green and getting quite long and uneven in length. :-( Help please....
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24 Aug 17, Cat (Australia - temperate climate)
It may be getting too warm niw and it is starting to bolt Mayne pick itand use it now Cauliflowers need the cold to grow Plant seeds in summer and plant in May/June Check the gardnate for caulifliowers temp climate
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20 Jul 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have some cauliflower heads that are turning brown and others that are perfect. any ideas?
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14 Jul 13, Susan Hair (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
The cauliflower is growing very well with huge big leaves but is not making the flower. It is in well composted soil and gets regular water. The other problem is with the broc which is only making very small flowers. I would really appreciate your help with this problem. Thanks Susan
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Showing 111 - 120 of 204 comments
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G'day Mark, you could try a two metre fence, horses love green veg. For "Caterpillars", use Yates Nature's Way. It is organic and it stops the larvae eating. It takes longer to work but you will find almost instant results. Being organic there is no harm in using it almost up to harvest.

- Des

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