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 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
  • A variety of purple cauliflower
  • Mature cauliflower

Large leafed cabbage-like with a white 'curd' or flower forming in the centre. It can be hard to grow successfully. More frost sensitive than most brassicas, it's also not particularly heat tolerant. They tend to fail if stressed when transplanting.

Watch for cabbage white butterfly. Grow better in cooler temperatures. Not suitable for warm areas. Break a leaf over the head to prevent the curd becoming discoloured.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Cauliflower

Cauliflower can be eaten raw, steamed, stirfried, grilled, or roasted. Popular grated and steamed/stirfried as a low-carb rice substitute.
Cook briefly and add to curry mix.
Traditionally served with cheese sauce. Add tomato slices for colour.
Toss with oil and spices and roast/grill until browned and delicious!

Your comments and tips

19 Oct 07, Pat Milliken (Unknown climate)
Is the curd still edible once it has become discoloured?
12 Jan 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The cauliflower curd is edible if it is slightly yellowed. It will have a stronger flavour, not always acceptable. Sunlight causes discolouration and this is worse in warmer climates.
22 Jan 08, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You can crack the leaf stems and fold the leaves over the curd to reduce discolouring.
22 Jan 08, graeme (Unknown climate)
yes you can put a leaf over to stop discolouring
04 Mar 08, caTh-eeee-riNe (Unknown climate)
how does a cauliflower grow?
24 May 08, annie (Unknown climate)
Once the curd has started how long do you wait until it is ready to pick?
01 Jun 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Annie, the curd keeps growing for quite a while but it is best picked while still white and firm. Each plant will grow at a different rate so they won't all be ready together.
01 Jun 08, michael (Unknown climate)
Liz, can I still plant now? Also how much room does a single plant need? I want to grow cauli in large tubs if possible. They are about 2 by 5 feet in size and about 2 deep.
19 Jun 08, Louisa (Unknown climate)
how much sun do they need?
21 Jun 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Michael, I don't know which climate area you are in, but you can still plant out cauliflower seedlings during colder weather. In tubs, protected from frost they should grow well. They will spread their leaves to about 1 1/2 x 2 feet (40x60cm),bigger leaves mean better sized curds.
Showing 1 - 10 of 204 comments

Once the curd has started how long do you wait until it is ready to pick?

- annie

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