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

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25 Oct 12, Angela (Australia - temperate climate)
I have Leaves but no head
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15 Oct 12, Denise (Australia - temperate climate)
once a cauliflower is picked will it grow again or are they finished?
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17 Oct 12, Nat (Australia - arid climate)
You can't repeat harvest cauliflower, unfortunately!
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16 Sep 12, glen (Australia - temperate climate)
Ive only got lots of leaves no head!
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24 Jul 12, wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
Why do my cauliflower heads seperate. Is this do do with nutrient or is there another cause. Happens all the time with me and I feel like giving up on them, ??
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25 Jul 12, Joseph (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am a little unsure but it may be two possible scenarios one masking the other. Firstly, It may be a Boron deficientcy, this micro nutrient required in minute quantities, over use is a really problem make sure if you use only apply up to the recommended quantity and NO MORE. Secondly Low nitrogen levels inconjuction with heat in a micro situation. Please let me know how things progress for you. Seasol may help?
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11 Aug 12, wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
Will have to wait till next year as its to late to go again now. thanks for the advice boron might be the answer as I have tried most things.seasol and other nutrient providers.
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30 May 12, Jim Mair (Australia - temperate climate)
My Caulis., 1 month in soil, are growing tall and seem to need support. Should I hill up the soil up around them?
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07 May 12, terry harris adelaide (Australia - temperate climate)
Cauliflower start off well then heads seem togo to seed without forming a strong headplant has healthy leaf. is it the soil lack of fertiliser or what? thankyou for any help terry
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23 Apr 12, David (Australia - arid climate)
Put Fruitfly mesh over plants from day 1. Prevent all insect contact.
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Showing 101 - 110 of 162 comments
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Read all the notes here about growing it. Doesn't like frosts - doesn't like hot days, doesn't like really rich soil. Caulies and cabbage take a lot of care to grow to the seedling stage.If growing seeds, need a good controlled environment - temperature and watering. Undercover means out of the sun and heat. You are starting them in hot/warm weather to transplant when the weather is a bit cooler and grow as the weather goes into winter. When you transplant it is best to have soil around the roots if possible, do it late in the afternoon and put some protection over them - shade for a week or so, water morning and night - only need a light watering. Little plants have small root system so need watering more often. Big plants - bigger watering less often. (Under cover also means protected from frosts- Liz)

- Mike

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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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