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Growing Cauliflower Plants

The nutrition information on this page is specific to a portion size of 100 grams. All information is sourced from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Raw, green, fresh Cauliflower contain the following nutrients.

Cauliflower is one of several vegetables in the species Brassica oleracea in the genus Brassica, which is in the Brassicaceae family. It is an annual plant that reproduces by seed. Typically, only the head is eaten and the white flesh is sometimes called "curd". Cauliflower is one of several vegetables in the species Brassica oleracea in the genus Brassica, which is in the Brassicaceae (or Mustard) family. Cauliflower is an annual plant that reproduces by seed. They are particularly high in Fiber, Folate, Vitamins B-6, C, and Vitamin K.

How Much Space Does Cauliflower Plants Need?

Like all plants, cauliflower seedlings start out small but can grow quite large at maturity, often measuring 2 feet across. Spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart in the row gives them plenty of room to grow, and allowing 36 inches between the rows provides ample space for cultivation, weeding, fertilizing and harvesting.

What Type Soil Does Cauliflower Like

Cauliflower likes to grow in rich, moist, well-drained organic soil with plenty of sun and with a pH between 6 and 7. Till the soil to loosen it to a depth of 12-15 inches. Then, work in a 3-inch layer of nutrient-rich compost or garden soil, such as Shivas Veganiv Drymix ® into the top 6 inches of native soil.

Planting Instructions

Cauliflower grows best as a fall crop, but can be grown in spring, as well. We recommend buying cauliflower seedlings (aka “transplants”) versus starting them from seed, as cauliflower can be finicky. If you start from seed, sow seeds indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow in rows 3 to 6 inches apart and up to 1/2 of an inch deep. Water consistently during germination and growth. Plant seedlings outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date. Fall Planting: Plant a fall crop 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost date but after daytime temperatures are regularly below 75°F. Blanch your plants from the hot summer sun, if necessary.

Nutrients

Normal-A good cauliflower crop needs the ideal garden soil. Apply phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) according to soil test recommendations. Unless your soil test report specifically recommends additional phosphorus, use an organic low- or no-phosphorus fertilizer. Cauliflower needs a rich soil filled with nitrogen (as do most cabbage plants) in order to grow. Treat your planting site with Shivas organic dry Booster or compost to supply the necessary organic matter and fill your soil with nutrients. Cauliflower prefers a garden soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Vegan- For best results if growing in small to medium size containers, be sure to incorporated before planting our Callemo Powder to help support the plants Calcium and Magnesium needs. Then our VeGrow Quick Start to get the root system started and then use our VeGrow Supreme Plus once a week for the duration of the plants life cycle.

What can I plant next to Cauliflower?

Beans, celery, and onions are all excellent choices when companion planting cauliflower. Other veggies that are recommended for companion planting with cauliflower include: Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Chard, Spinach, Cucumber, Corn, Radish

Harvest Time

Cauliflower heads should reach 6 to 8 inches in diameter before they are ready to harvest. The heads should be compact and firm. Heads may be smaller but already opening up and should therefore still be harvested. Course texture means the plant is over mature, and it should be pitched. Plants are usually ready to harvest in about 50 to 100 days, depending on variety, or 7 to 12 days after blanching.To harvest, cut the cauliflower from the stem, leaving 2 inches of stem left on the head. To store it, place the head in a plastic bag and keep in the refrigerator.