Growing Cauliflower

brassica oleracea var. botrytus botrytus : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S                    
      T T              

(Best months for growing Cauliflower in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 24 - 39 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-22 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

27 Aug 19, Alex Ayerst (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Take plant out and compost. Leave for a while before replacing.
27 Sep 13, raymond russell (Australia - arid climate)
hi I have the same promble plenety of leaves but no heads
13 Sep 13, Paul (Australia - arid climate)
I have found the same thing with mine as well. I have not worked out why yet. Sorry I can't help you but thought I would let you know that you are not the only one. Good luck!
11 Sep 13, Jo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
My cauliflowers have big healthy leaves...but no heads are coming they are about half a metre tall...now i read that they don't like warm temperatures. I live on coast KZN and summer is coming. what should i do? take them out...
04 Oct 13, elna geringer (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would like to know the reply as well please Thanks
12 Aug 13, Eddie Noble (Australia - temperate climate)
I am having problems with cauliflowers, they form a small head then they shoot away to become very spindly, what do you suggest the reason for this is.
12 Aug 13, Lyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I had cauli growing beautifully in my raised bed until recently when the tight heads started to grow unevenly ie no longer in a tight bunch and spreading out and up seperately. They get sun for most of the day. Also, when do you harvest? The stalks are still green and getting quite long and uneven in length. :-( Help please....
24 Aug 17, Cat (Australia - temperate climate)
It may be getting too warm niw and it is starting to bolt Mayne pick itand use it now Cauliflowers need the cold to grow Plant seeds in summer and plant in May/June Check the gardnate for caulifliowers temp climate
20 Jul 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have some cauliflower heads that are turning brown and others that are perfect. any ideas?
14 Jul 13, Susan Hair (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
The cauliflower is growing very well with huge big leaves but is not making the flower. It is in well composted soil and gets regular water. The other problem is with the broc which is only making very small flowers. I would really appreciate your help with this problem. Thanks Susan
Showing 111 - 120 of 204 comments

I have harvested a couple of good looking cauliflowers. The tops are starting to go pinkish in small areas and also quickly covering all smaller ones in the garden. Can this be a fungal thing and will covering the tops with the leaves help? Thank you

- Yatra

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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