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 T T          

(Best months for growing Cauliflower in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
23 Nov 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Squash the eggs with your fingers.
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09 Jan 21, gary (Australia - temperate climate)
thanks brainwave
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10 Sep 20, Elizabeth (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Nigeria. I love cauliflower so much and I am very interested in growing it in my house garden, is there any advice I can get to grow it?
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14 Sep 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is probably too hot in Nigeria, needs cool climate in winter.
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20 Aug 20, dennis (Australia - temperate climate)
how can i get bigger caulie heads , what do the commercial growers fertilize them with ?
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21 Aug 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A lot of commercial vegies around here are fertilised with Nitrophoska with the trace elements in it $36 a 25kg bag.
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21 Aug 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm sub tropical and I don't even try to grow caulies. They need a cool cold climate. An agronomist told me the other week cauli, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce need it to be cool/cold to form a head. I have tried growing them but end up with huge leafy plants and no or little head, reason, over fertile soil. To really be on the ball on growing them you would have to have a soil test done, then a specific fertiliser would have to be applied. You may only have a small time window to plant them, say April to mid May. Talk to an agronomist in your area if you can.
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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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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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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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