Cauliflower
Well known for its single head or 'curds' of creamy white florets, cauliflowers also come in spiky green, and orange and purple too!
| Growing calendar | |
|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | End Mar-May |
| Plant out | Jun-Jul |
| Harvest | Aug-Jan |
How to grow cauliflowers
Sow cauliflower seed 0.5cm deep in pots or seedbed. Transplant when seedlings have five leaves, 45cm apart (summer/autumn), 60cm apart (winter). Choose firm, fertile soil.
Harvesting and using cauliflowers
Begin cutting when flower heads are fairly small. Heads are over-mature when 'florets' start to separate and flower.
Tips for growing cauliflowers
Cauliflowers have a reputation for being difficult to grow but our tip for growing cauliflower successfully is consistent watering. They like cool, moist conditions, so in our warming climate, water regularly and mulch beneath the plants to prevent checks in growth, which produce smaller flower heads. Bend leaves over developing heads to protect from sun-scorch and frost.
Saving cauliflower seed
| Growing notes | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Tricky |
| Germination time | 7-12 days |
| Average time to harvest | 16-20 weeks (summer), 40-50 weeks (winter) |
| Equipment needed | Mulch (eg homemade compost) |
| Average plant size | 45cm tall, 60cm wide |
| Family group | Brassica: cabbage, kohl rabi |
| Latin name | Brassica oleracea |
| Key nutritional content | Folate, vitamin C |
| Seed saving notes | Biennial, needs isolation |