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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17 Apr 18, Harriet (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
How to get rid of grub worms naturaly?
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07 Mar 18, Njabulo (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Thankyou so much. Another question, I am around KZN at MANDINI area. Is it possible to plant cauliflower
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06 Mar 18, Njabulo (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I am a farm with little experience about cauliflower. I need to know what best time to plant cauliflower
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04 Mar 18, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I grow cauliflower next to silverbeet in the same bed?
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02 May 18, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes, I've grown it before next to silverbeet
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13 Oct 17, John Hansen (Australia - temperate climate)
My cauliflowers are flowering but are not forming tight clusters more like separate pinheads. Planted in May 2017. Thank you
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13 Oct 17, Lewis (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi! Great article on cauliflowers, thanks! I'm in Melbourne, and I planted out my cauli as seedlings from Diggers in early July. One of the caulis went to head at the end of august, but none of the others are showing any signs of heading up. I've considered feeding them with seaweed emulsion, but I'm worried that will just promote more leaves. My broccoli has been and gone which I planted at the same time. It's starting to get warm, so I'm worried they've missed their moment? Do you think I should leave them longer or chop them out for the summer crop? Many thanks!! Lewis
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16 Oct 17, Lewis (Australia - temperate climate)
Oops! I meant I planted them in early June!! Thanks
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04 Mar 18, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
Plant them around April or May for best results. Feed them once a week with charlie carp or seasol and make sure they get plenty of water in between. good luck!
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16 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I don't know about where you live, but we have had quite a warm winter. So I think it has to do with the weather. I had the same problem with broccoli and savoy cabbage. Probably better to plant in April May. I use to try and grow caulies but gave up. Huge plants and no heads.
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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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