Family: Brassicaceae
Binomial name: Brassica oleracea botrytis
Life Cycle: Biennial (usually grown as an annual)
Cauliflower is a cool season crop. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow cauliflower in your climate.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cool | ||||||||||||
Temperate | ||||||||||||
Sub-Tropical | ||||||||||||
Tropical | ||||||||||||
Arid |
Cauliflower plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
Cauliflower plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Cauliflower seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Cauliflower seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.
Cauliflower is a cool season crop that will bolt in very hot weather. Do not transplant seedlings or sow seeds outside in very warm temperatures.
Cauliflower plants need regular watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.
If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. In poor soil or to give your plants an extra boost, application of a balanced fertiliser or one formulated for fruit and vegetables can be beneficial:
Cauliflower should be ready to harvest in approximately 100-160 days.
Heads are ready to be harvested when they are fully grown but before any flowers open. Cut off the head with about 10-15cm of stem. Store heads in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. For long term storage, cauliflower can be pickled or blanched then frozen.
Like all plants, cauliflower is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing cauliflower plants: