Get all the basics on how to grow cauliflower, including planting, sunlight, watering, and more.
Some gardeners find cauliflower challenging to grow because it requires a lot of maintenance.
Cauliflower requires cool temperatures for growing, consistent watering, and ongoing attention due to its susceptibility to pests.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Cauliflower grows best in soil enriched with compost.
Dont sow seeds directly outdoors in spring because cauliflower is sensitive to frost.
Plant cauliflower seedlings about 18 inches apart in rows 23 feet apart.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
Light
Cauliflower grows best in full sun.
Choose a location in your garden where it willget at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Soil and Water
Cauliflower thrives in organically rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Credit:Helen Smythe
Add a 2-inch layer ofcompost in the growing locationbefore planting cauliflower to create a foundation for vigorous plants.
Water around cauliflower plants with 1 to 2 inches of water per week to keep the soil consistently moist.
Avoid splashing water onto the leaves as much as possible toprevent diseases.
Applymulch around the plantsto protect the shallow roots, reduce weeds, and retain soil moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Grow cauliflower in the cool temperatures of fall and spring.
It thrives in moist soil and consistently cool weather that doesnt rise above 70F or dip below freezing.
Cauliflower grows best in moderate humidity of 40 to 60 percent.
Fertilizer
Fertilize cauliflower plants at planting time witha complete vegetable garden fertilizer, such as 5-5-5.
Fertilize again one month later with a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as 15-5-5.
Potting and Repotting Cauliflower
Cauliflowers compact shape and shallow roots allow it to grow in a pot.
Grow each seedling in a 12-inch-wide and deep container with a large drainage hole.
Since cauliflower is an annual, it wont need repotting.Water the plant regularlyto keep the soil consistently moist.
Pests and Problems
Rotate your cauliflower cropsto reduce soil-borne disease.
Dont plant cauliflower in the same location more than once every three years.
These pests often hide in harvested heads.
Also, be on the lookout foraphids, cutworms, woodchucks, and rabbits, which attack seedlings.
you might spread out the harvest by cutting some young cauliflower heads.
Snow Crown Hybrid
Snow Crown Hybrid is one of the easiest cauliflower plants to grow.
Plant this beautiful, large, white variety, which is heatand cold-tolerant and matures in just 60 days.
It is vigorous and produces large, snow-white heads that are 7-8 inches across.
Its medium-to-large head is smoky purple when cooked and matures in 80 days.
Cheddar Hybrid
Surprise your family and guests with Cheddar Hybrid.
This variety produces medium-sized yellow/orange heads that hold their color even after cooking.
It matures in 68 days.
It includes cauliflower in spring and again in fall.
Dogs should only eat unseasoned cauliflower.
Remove the core of the cauliflower before you cut it into small pieces for your pet.
Blanching cauliflower results in bright white curds and a mild flavor.
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