Cauliflower
A rewarding but sometimes tricky brassica, requiring consistent conditions to form perfect white 'curds'. Different varieties for spring, summer, and winter harvests.
Cauliflower seeds
£2.29 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
Indoors: Feb–April (summer varieties), May–July (autumn/winter varieties). Outdoors: March–June.
Plant out
April–August, when seedlings have 4-5 true leaves and are hardened off.
Harvest
July–February (depending on variety)
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6-8 hours a day
Water
Crucial and consistent moisture, never allow to dry out, especially as curds form.
Soil
Deep, fertile, well-drained, pH 6.5–7.5
Spacing
60-75cm between plants, they need space
Containers
Not recommended due to large size and specific requirements.
Indoors
Start indoors for best establishment and earlier harvests.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Very heavy feeders. Enrich soil with compost and well-rotted manure. Feed with a balanced liquid feed every 2-3 weeks once established.
Pruning
When curds start to form, 'blanch' them by bending over or tying outer leaves to protect from sun and keep them white.
Harvesting
Cut the central curd when it's firm, compact, and white, before it starts to separate or yellow.
Storage
Store in the fridge for up to a week. Can be blanched and frozen.
Good companions: Marigolds, Mint, Rosemary, Nasturtiums, Onions