Basics

Ease of Growing
Difficult
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
75-85 (Spring/Summer), 80-90 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Half Hardy

Cauliflower is somewhat hardy and thrives in mild, moist weather. It is an ideal fall crop in most climates.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall Transplant, Fall
Growing Season
Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cool

Cauliflower prefers nearly neutral soils rich in organic matter. Water moderately and evenly. Cauliflower can be sensitive to boron deficiencies. Lime the soil to a pH of 7.0 or higher in areas with clubroot problems.

To ensure plump heads, time indoor sowing so that plants are no more than 5 weeks old at transplant time. Sow outdoors when soil temperatures are at least 60 degrees F. While cauliflower requires growing conditions similar to broccoli and cabbage, it can be more difficult to grow. Any interruption in growth due to under-watering or under-fertilization can cause the plant to prematurely set a small, unusable head.

Cauliflower needs quite a lot of space, which rules it out of many small gardens. It grows in the coolest parts of the year, so also needs full sun.

Outdoor Growing Temp
45°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
60°F

Seedlings shouldn't go outside until the soil is at least 60°F.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool)

Cauliflower grows in the cooler part of the year so needs full sun.

Water
High

Cauliflower absolutely must have constant moisture for good growth.

Feeder
Heavy

Like most Brassicas cauliflower is a fairly hungry crop and must have plenty of available nutrients for good growth.

Once the plants are established and growing well, feed them with a foliar feed of compost tea. Feed them again just before they start to head up. Cauliflower is one of the crops that is most susceptible to boron deficiency (which can be caused by acid soil).

Suitability
Tolerates light frost, Needs summer shade, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?
No
Containers?
Yes

For one cauliflower plant, you'll need a pot that is at least 8" deep and 20" wide. Fill with a mixture of potting soil and compost and keep the soil moist but not overly wet. If you are using a larger container, be sure to space your cauliflower plants at least 18 to 24" apart. Although cauliflower is a cool weather plant, it loves sunshine so be sure to place the container in an area with access to at least 3 hours of full sun a day.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Purple
Fruit Size
6.0 - 7.0"
Plant Height
18.0 - 24.0"
Plant Diameter
18.0 - 24.0"
Hardiness Zone
5-11
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Tender, sweet flesh with a delicate and delicious flavor.

Rotation Group
Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens