Cauliflower Growing Guide

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Cauliflower

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) 

Soil

Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Mix composted manure or another high-nitrogen compost into the soil before planting. When heads begin to form, feed with a liquid plant food.

Spacing

Single Plants: 50cm (1' 7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 45cm (1' 5") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow mid to late spring, either direct into soil or in pots to plant out later if clubroot disease is a problem in your soil. Firm down well when planting out.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent cabbage root fly from destroying the roots. Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to prevent butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy these plants. Protect against birds which can damage the young seedlings and overwintering crops. Bend over a few leaves if required so that the cauliflower head is kept shaded while it is forming.

Harvesting

Harvest when the head has fully developed, but before the curd becomes loose, with a "ricey" appearance.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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