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Brassicas

Cauliflower growing guide

The most demanding brassica to grow well but worth the effort. Needs consistent moisture and cool temperatures for a good head. Protect from frost when the curd forms.

Photo reference

Use this real-world photo as the main plant reference, then compare it with the botanical drawings below for leaf, flower and harvest details.

Cauliflower real-world photo reference (Brassica oleracea botrytis)
Wikimedia Commons · Coyau · CC BY-SA 3.0
5-10 daysGermination
80-100 daysHarvest
60 cmSpacing
1 cmSow depth
FullSun
HardyFrost
3 cm/weekWater
6-7pH

Planting calendar by climate

Use these windows as a public guide. Plotera can personalise tasks around your saved garden, location and planting dates.

ClimateSowTransplant / PlantHarvest
TropicalApr - AugApr - AugJun - Oct
SubtropicalFeb - JulFeb - JulApr - Oct
MediterraneanFeb - JulMar - AugMay - Oct
TemperateFeb - JulMar - AugMay - Oct
CoolFeb - JunMar - JulMay - Sep
AridMar - JulMar - JulMay - Sep

Botanical reference

Compare the whole plant first, then check the leaf, flower and harvest detail to identify what Cauliflower should look like as it grows.

Cauliflower whole plant

Whole plant

Overall shape, height, branching and growth habit.

Cauliflower leaf detail

Leaf detail

Leaf shape, edges, colour and vein pattern.

Cauliflower flower detail

Flower detail

Flower colour, structure and where blooms appear.

Cauliflower harvest / detail

Harvest / detail

Fruit, root, seed, pod or the strongest identifying feature.

Cooking and eating ideas

A quick garden-to-table guide for using Cauliflower after harvest.

Raw / fresh

Use tender leaves or shredded cabbage raw in slaws, salads, wraps, and quick pickles.

Cooked

Steam, roast, stir-fry, braise, add to soups, gratins, curries, or tray bakes.

Store / preserve

Ferment cabbage, pickle stems, blanch and freeze florets or sturdy greens.

Try: Slaw, Roasted brassicas, Stir-fry, Fermented cabbage.

Good companions

Onion, Garlic, Rosemary, Sage, Dill, Celery

Avoid near

Tomato, Strawberry

Growing note

Tie outer leaves over the forming curd to protect it from sun yellowing.

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