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Growing Cauliflower

(brassica oleracea var. botrytus botrytus)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
	S	S	P					P

(Best months for planting Cauliflower in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.

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: Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
Avoid growing with: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

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 steamed.
Young ones can be broken into small pieces and added raw to salad.
Cook briefly and add to curry mix.
Traditionally served with cheese sauce.
Add tomato slices for colour.

Your comments and tips

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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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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Post a question, comment or tip about Cauliflower

Replying to:

If you steam the cauliflower to slightly underdone (about 10-12min) Pulse shred it in a processor to a rice consistancy. Serve with a sauce... My kids did not even realize what they were eating...they hat veggies, love rice. It is also an excellent idea for dieters.

- "Kid"s rice

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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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