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

24 Jul 12, wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
Why do my cauliflower heads seperate. Is this do do with nutrient or is there another cause. Happens all the time with me and I feel like giving up on them, ??
25 Jul 12, Joseph (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am a little unsure but it may be two possible scenarios one masking the other. Firstly, It may be a Boron deficientcy, this micro nutrient required in minute quantities, over use is a really problem make sure if you use only apply up to the recommended quantity and NO MORE. Secondly Low nitrogen levels inconjuction with heat in a micro situation. Please let me know how things progress for you. Seasol may help?
11 Aug 12, wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
Will have to wait till next year as its to late to go again now. thanks for the advice boron might be the answer as I have tried most things.seasol and other nutrient providers.
30 May 12, Jim Mair (Australia - temperate climate)
My Caulis., 1 month in soil, are growing tall and seem to need support. Should I hill up the soil up around them?
07 May 12, terry harris adelaide (Australia - temperate climate)
Cauliflower start off well then heads seem togo to seed without forming a strong headplant has healthy leaf. is it the soil lack of fertiliser or what? thankyou for any help terry
23 Apr 12, David (Australia - arid climate)
Put Fruitfly mesh over plants from day 1. Prevent all insect contact.
21 Apr 12, mick (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
just wondering if anybody has good tips for natural and organic pest control.seem to have a lot of aphids and white moths. plants are nice and healthy apart from leaves being eaten
23 Apr 12, Julia (Australia - temperate climate)
I use just plain flour, sifted onto the leaves of my plants, it acts as a stomach poison on the caterpillars but doesn't harm anything else, no harm to you and breaks down quickly
06 Feb 12, "Kid"s rice (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
If you steam the cauliflower to slightly underdone (about 10-12min) Pulse shred it in a processor to a rice consistancy. Serve with a sauce... My kids did not even realize what they were eating...they hat veggies, love rice. It is also an excellent idea for dieters.
05 Jan 12, Joe (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Cauli-Community, Here on the Sunshine Coast QLD have problems with white butterflies and worms eating away the leaves. A decent daily spray of garlic and chilly infused water seems to fight off both successfully. Caulis seem to be strong feeders; I applied good general fertilizer weekly and added aged cow manure a shovel load per plant per month. Heads are now developing, yeah! I grow them under 90% shade cloth and hope this keeps the heads white. temperatures are going up which they dont seem to like a lot; supply decent deep root drinks daily. Fingers crossed! Joe
Showing 131 - 140 of 204 comments

Being new to the veggie planting, and can I say I really do enjoy my little garden. My question is when is the right time to remove the cauliflower heads??

- Steve

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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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