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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28 Aug 20, T.Bah (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
There are cauliflower varieties adapted to hot climate. Even cabbage, broccoli etc. Check SAKATA seeds or Global seed company.
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16 Jun 20, Melanie (USA - Zone 9a climate)
What is the best variety of cauliflower to grow in zone 9a?
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12 Jun 20, Pamela Hopkins (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Why does the cauliflower curd open up before fully grown Is it frosts that turn the flower brown
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15 Jun 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Google the questions - answers are there.
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04 May 20, (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I am new to gardening and want to grow cauliflower in my raised bed garden, where can I get good seeds and when can I plant the seeds?
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17 Sep 20, Daniel Stephens (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I buy my seeds at Urbanfarmer.com and truleaf.com both have great seeds and selection is very good
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25 Mar 20, Graham (Australia - temperate climate)
From Melbourne is it to late to grow Cauliflowers from seed if planted today.
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26 Mar 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
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30 Dec 19, Vikani Mkhize (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I see my cauliflower leaves becoming yellow. What must I do to boost the growth of the plant. It has been coming right with big leaves. Can I pick leaves for consumption
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31 Dec 19, anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Depends how old the plants are.. If old probably a normal function. For your climate zone it says to plant from onwards. Your plants should only be about half grown if planted early Nov. High rainfall may cause the yellow. Look up the internet to see what you can do with caulie leaves to eat. You could put on some fertiliser but not too much as this will only produce lots of leaf and little/no caulie.
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Is the curd still edible once it has become discoloured?

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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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