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
  • A variety of purple cauliflower
  • Mature cauliflower

Large leafed cabbage-like with a white 'curd' or flower forming in the centre. It can be hard to grow successfully. More frost sensitive than most brassicas, it's also not particularly heat tolerant. They tend to fail if stressed when transplanting.

Watch for cabbage white butterfly. Grow better in cooler temperatures. Not suitable for warm areas. Break a leaf over the head to prevent the curd becoming discoloured.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Cauliflower

Cauliflower can be eaten raw, steamed, stirfried, grilled, or roasted. Popular grated and steamed/stirfried as a low-carb rice substitute.
Cook briefly and add to curry mix.
Traditionally served with cheese sauce. Add tomato slices for colour.
Toss with oil and spices and roast/grill until browned and delicious!

Your comments and tips

12 Jan 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The cauliflower curd is edible if it is slightly yellowed. It will have a stronger flavour, not always acceptable. Sunlight causes discolouration and this is worse in warmer climates.
01 Jun 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Annie, the curd keeps growing for quite a while but it is best picked while still white and firm. Each plant will grow at a different rate so they won't all be ready together.
21 Jun 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Michael, I don't know which climate area you are in, but you can still plant out cauliflower seedlings during colder weather. In tubs, protected from frost they should grow well. They will spread their leaves to about 1 1/2 x 2 feet (40x60cm),bigger leaves mean better sized curds.
11 Jul 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Michael, to get a good size curd from each plant, you will probably only fit three plants at the most in each tub. Cauliflower like plenty of organic matter and some lime to reduce soil acidity. They are fairly slow growing and do not like hot weather. Make sure the tubs do not dry out.
11 Jul 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi K Harrison, It is difficult to say what is wrong without seeing your plants. One possibility is frost damage. Can you take a piece of a damaged plant into your local nursery? They may be able to look up in some reference books for you.
21 Jun 10, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Cauliflowers can take 4 to 6 months to grow to a usable size, so hang in there.
21 Jul 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can use the leaves but they might be a bit tough.
19 Dec 13, Michelle (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Once I have picked the cauliflower, do I need to remove the plant or will another cauli grow? Thanks.
20 Dec 13, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Thank you for the replies, I don't think I explained myself very well. I grew beautiful big cauliflowers, I've picked them and the question is, now what do I do with the plant left behind - will another cauliflower grow from the stalk or do I pull the whole plant out? Thanks
27 Aug 19, Alex Ayerst (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Take plant out and compost. Leave for a while before replacing.
Showing 1 - 10 of 13 comments

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