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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23 Nov 08, Kenneth banks (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
my caulieflowers have a yellowish tinge to them when havested.Are they alright to eat. Thanks
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20 Nov 08, graham (Australia - temperate climate)
I may be interpreting the info from this site incorrectly, most of the comments reinforce what i thought, that cauliflower is grown in cooler months and yet this site shows planting times of mid summer with harvest at the end of summer. Can some one please explain thanks
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16 Nov 08, Rob (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have had a similar effect happen to my cauliflower as question #15 as mine were also growing very well and had small curds that separated into lots of stems when they grew a bit larger.Can you tell me what has caused this to happen?
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12 Oct 08, Kathryn (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I didn't pick my cauliflower soon enough and the head has a pinky/purple colour on it. Is this discolouration or could it be a fungus? Not sure if I can eat them. Thanks
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07 Oct 08, coral (Australia - temperate climate)
My last batch of cauliflowers have produced amazing foliage but no curds. We normally get great curds. What has gone wrong this time?
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21 Sep 08, Simon (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, My cauliflowers have gone to seed does anyone know why
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31 Jul 08, teash (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Ros, I had the same issue with my cauli, they told me that it was a different type of cauliflower, it almost looks like a broccoli? I prefer this type actually, easier to cut when you need it.
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15 Jul 08, Ros (Australia - temperate climate)
I had 8 cauliflowers growing beautifully, each had a small curd; but as the curds started to grow a bit bigger, they separated into lots of stems. Why did this happen, please?
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09 Jul 08, michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi again Liz I live in Perth (WA) and we are at our coldest and possibly wettest time now!! I have about 15 plants and want to reduce it to however will grow in the tubs I described. Do you think 6 would still be overcrowded?
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06 Jul 08, rhonda khoury (Australia - temperate climate)
I am trying to grow cauliflowers successfully. The outer leaves which are long are going quite curly and look as if something is wrong. The head of the cauliflower is still very small and they have been in the ground for at least two months. Any ideas?
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Showing 151 - 160 of 162 comments
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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

- Lewis

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