- Plant cauliflower in an area with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
- Improve the soil with a 3-inch layer ofMiracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Vegetables & Herbs.
- Get a mature cauliflower harvest in less time by starting with young plants from Bonnie Plants®.
- Keep soil moist and prevent weeds by adding a 3-inch layer of mulch.
- Feed cauliflower regularly withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granulesto encourage the growth of big heads.
- For cauliflower with white heads, cover the head with the largest leaf and secure with twine when the head is the size of an egg.
- Harvest when heads reach 6-8 inches in diameter.
Cauliflower may be a bit more challenging to grow than other garden vegetables, such as kale and chard, but with these few simple steps you'll be able to grow this hearty vegetable, which is high in fiber, vitamin C and a good source of several other nutrients.
Enriching Your Soil
Cauliflower likes to grow in full sun and rich, moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Till the soil to loosen it to a depth of 12-15 inches. Then, work in a 3-inch layer of nutrient-rich compost or garden soil, such asMiracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Vegetables & Herbs, into the top 6 inches of native soil.
Planting Cauliflower
The fastest way to grow cauliflower is to start with young plants, such as the strong, vigorous ones fromBonnie Plants®. That way, you'll already be well on your way to harvest time! If you prefer to grow from seed and are starting your cauliflower seeds indoors, wait until seedlings have 5 leaves before transplanting them to your garden (this will take about 4 to 6 weeks). Also, make sure to harden off your seedlings before planting, gradually adjusting them to outdoor conditions by leaving them outside for a few hours a day. Move them permanently outdoors two weeks before your last frost date, and place each seedling 24 inches apart. If you're starting outdoors, sow cauliflower seeds 1/2 inch deep and 24 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart.
Caring for Your Cauliflower
Water as necessary to keep the soil consistently moist and add a 3-inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture and keep soil temperatures cooler. To give cauliflower the nutrition it needs to grow big heads, feed the plants regularly with Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules throughout the growing season. Be sure to read the directions on the label.
Harvesting Your Cauliflower
Your cauliflower will be ready harvest when the heads are 6-8 inches in diameter, roughly 10 days after blanching. Harvest by cutting the stalk just below the head, leaving a stem of about 1-2 inches.
FAQs
Seeded or transplanted cauliflower should be spaced 12-18 inches between plants in the row with rows 2-3 feet apart. Cauliflower grows best when temperatures do not exceed 75°F. Low (32°F) or high (greater than 80°F) temperatures decrease plant growth, lower yields and decrease head quality.
How long does it take to grow a cauliflower? ›
You can harvest cauliflowers throughout the year, depending on when you sow. They generally take three to six months from sowing to maturity, but growth rates vary according to the variety, size and weather conditions. Harvest cauliflowers as soon as the head is large enough, when still firm and compact.
Why is cauliflower difficult growing? ›
Cauliflower is a cool-weather crop in the Brassica family (which includes cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts). It's trickier to grow than its relatives because it doesn't like it too hot … or too cold. It is also very sensitive to moisture and doesn't like to have soggy roots or dry out.
How many heads of cauliflower will one plant produce? ›
How many heads of cauliflower does one plant produce? Unlike broccoli, cauliflower only produces one compact head called a curd. The average head of cauliflower is 6 to 7 inches in diameter and weighs about 2 pounds but some varieties grow larger heads than others.
Does cauliflower regrow after cutting? ›
Your cauliflower plant will continue to grow even after you cut off the head. To maintain your plant, give it 1–1.5 in (2.5–3.8 cm) of water once a week. Along with normal rainfall, this should be plenty to keep your plants healthy. Harvest cauliflower florets as they grow.
How do you get cauliflower to form heads? ›
To avoid having tiny buttons or even no head on a cauliflower plant, proper care must be taken when planting and during follow-up care. Moisture – Soil should always be moist to a depth of 6 inches (15 cm.). Consistent moisture is necessary for the plants to develop full heads.
What is the best fertilizer for cauliflower? ›
Cauliflower is a heavy feeder for its entire growing cycle, so regularly apply a nitrogen-rich organic liquid fertilizer, such as fish emulsion. Organic fertilizers are best because they won't cause nitrogen burn as chemical fertilizers can.
Why is my cauliflower growing but no head? ›
This is usually caused by one of two things - damage to the growing tip of the plant, or fluctuating temperature. Cauliflower heads grow from the top of the plant, known botanically as the terminal bud. If the terminal bud is damaged or removed the plant will not form a head.
Should you tie up cauliflower leaves? ›
To promote the color of white cauliflower, watch for the head to begin forming. Once it is visible, gather the outer leaves and tie them together over the head with string or rubber bands. This will keep the curds white-colored, or “blanched,” as they grow in a shaded environment.
What to plant next to cauliflower? ›
Allium plants, like garlic, onions, and chives, are top-notch cauliflower companion plants if you want to keep pests at bay. These plants contain sulfur compounds that mask the scent of nearby cauliflower and other crops that pests love. The scent of alliums also repels deer, aphids, and cabbage loopers.
Cauliflower heads that are ready to be harvested should be compact, uniformly colored, and feel firm to the touch. If cauliflower “curds” start to separate from each other, the cauliflower is becoming overly ripe. Harvest it right away so it doesn't become bitter.
What is too hot for cauliflower? ›
Hot weather (86°F or more during the day and 77°F or more at night) can prevent cauliflower from forming heads or crowns. Avoid planting cauliflower too late in the spring. Earlier planting means they can mature and produce crowns before hot temperatures arrive.
Do you cover cauliflower heads when growing? ›
f your cauliflower variety has white heads, you'll want to ensure a bright white head by covering it as it grows. This is called blanching. When the head reaches about the size of an egg, pull the longest leaves up and over it, then secure them in place with twine or an elastic band.
What does cauliflower like to grow next to? ›
Allium plants, like garlic, onions, and chives, are top-notch cauliflower companion plants if you want to keep pests at bay. These plants contain sulfur compounds that mask the scent of nearby cauliflower and other crops that pests love. The scent of alliums also repels deer, aphids, and cabbage loopers.
How do you prepare soil for cauliflower? ›
Cauliflowers can be grown in all types of soil, however, they must be free draining so consider raised beds or rows. Add well-rotted manure and compost to the soil and dig it in to a depth of around 30cm. For a no-dig option, consider Seasol Liquid Compost. The pH of the soil should be 6.5 to 7.0.
