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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22 Jan 08, graeme (Unknown climate)
yes you can put a leaf over to stop discolouring
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22 Jan 08, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You can crack the leaf stems and fold the leaves over the curd to reduce discolouring.
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12 Jan 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The cauliflower curd is edible if it is slightly yellowed. It will have a stronger flavour, not always acceptable. Sunlight causes discolouration and this is worse in warmer climates.
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19 Oct 07, Pat Milliken (Unknown climate)
Is the curd still edible once it has become discoloured?
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Showing 201 - 204 of 204 comments
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The info here is a guide, you have to look at your local conditions. If you plant now the crop will depend on whether you have a warmish or a cold winter. Approx 18-20+ weeks to grow, so won't be ready until near end of August. If the crop doesn't grow very good this year then you will know to plant earlier next year. OR just go and buy some seedlings then you have a better chance. Raising seedlings is a bit of an art especially the cabbage lettuce broccoli caulies etc.

- Anon

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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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