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 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 - 100 cm 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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13 Sep 13, Paul (Australia - arid climate)
I have found the same thing with mine as well. I have not worked out why yet. Sorry I can't help you but thought I would let you know that you are not the only one. Good luck!
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12 Aug 13, Eddie Noble (Australia - temperate climate)
I am having problems with cauliflowers, they form a small head then they shoot away to become very spindly, what do you suggest the reason for this is.
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12 Aug 13, Lyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I had cauli growing beautifully in my raised bed until recently when the tight heads started to grow unevenly ie no longer in a tight bunch and spreading out and up seperately. They get sun for most of the day. Also, when do you harvest? The stalks are still green and getting quite long and uneven in length. :-( Help please....
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24 Aug 17, Cat (Australia - temperate climate)
It may be getting too warm niw and it is starting to bolt Mayne pick itand use it now Cauliflowers need the cold to grow Plant seeds in summer and plant in May/June Check the gardnate for caulifliowers temp climate
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20 Jul 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have some cauliflower heads that are turning brown and others that are perfect. any ideas?
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16 Jun 13, Heather (Australia - temperate climate)
Are you able to offer any advice about my cauliflower plants please - I have lots of huge leaves but no cauliflowers forming. I'm wondering if I did anything wrong many thanks
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11 Jul 13, Brian (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sounds like an excess of Nitrogen. They should still form eventually
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27 Jun 13, Charlie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have the same problem can you advice me.
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10 Feb 13, bryan (Australia - temperate climate)
i seem to grow plants with very small heads
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06 Nov 12, Ben Sinclair (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
As cauliflower grows a head, does the head start off white and continues to grow bigger as the plant grows ? Thanks. Ben
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Neem oil will get rid of the caterpillars, if you don't feel confident to pick them all off. Follow instructions on bottle.

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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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