Growing Cauliflower: A Cool-Season Challenge Worth the Effort

Cauliflower is a cool-season crop, more difficult than its cabbage relatives because it tolerates neither heat nor cold well. It requires consistently cool temperatures (60s°F) to form a single large white head instead of “buttoning” (premature small heads).

Planting Cauliflower

• Site with ≥6 hours full sun.
• Soil very rich in organic matter; add composted manure. Fertile soil holds moisture, prevents buttoning.
• Test soil: pH 6.5–6.8 (get test via cooperative extension).
• Best from transplants. Transplant 2–4 weeks before average spring frost—no sooner, not much later.
• Space 18–24 inches apart, 30 inches between rows. Use starter fertilizer.
• Fall cauliflower: same time as fall cabbage, 6–8 weeks before first frost, after temps drop below 75°F.
• From seed: start 4–5 weeks before needed. Sow rows 3–6 inches apart, ¼–½ inch deep. Water during germination. Transplant seedlings to permanent spot.
• Spring: cover with milk jugs if needed. Fall: shade if heat threatens.
• Mulch to conserve moisture.

Care

• Uninterrupted growth is critical—any interruption causes premature heading or ruins edible part.
• Consistent moisture: 1–1.5 inches/week; supplement if rainfall insufficient.
• Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer for best growth.
• Head forms slowly; many varieties need 75–85 days from transplant. Be patient.
• When curd (white head) is 2–3 inches, tie outer leaves over it with rubber band, tape, or twine (blanching). Protects from sun, ensures white color.
• Harvest 7–12 days after blanching.

Pests and Diseases

• Cabbageworm: dwarf zinnias attract ladybugs and predators.
• Cabbage root maggots
• Aphids
• Harlequin bugs
• Clubroot
• Black rot

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest when heads compact, white, firm—ideally 6–8 inches diameter.
• Cut with large knife, leave some leaves for protection.
• If heads small but opening, harvest—they won’t improve.
• Coarse appearance = overmature, discard.
• Short-term: plastic bag in fridge, ~1 week.
• Long-term: freeze or pickle.

Recommended Varieties

• ‘Snowball’: medium heads, good yield all season.
• ‘Orange’: similar taste to white, more Vitamin A.

Wit & Wisdom

“Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.” —Mark Twain (1835–1910)

Recipes

• Cauliflower Soup
• Cauliflower Vinaigrette
• Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole