Cauliflower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Learn how to care for cauliflower along with its history and classification details.
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Soil Type: Slight acidic to neutral
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Type: Vegetable
History: Cauliflower was originally grown in Asia around the Mediterranean Sea. Cauliflower has been grown and eaten across Europe since the 1500s but did not start growing in the United States until the 1900s. Today, California produces more cauliflower than any other state.
The dreamer of cauliflower can expect quiet times and calm in life.
How to Care for Cauliflower
Common questions and details on how to care for cauliflower.
How do I plant cauliflower?
Sow seeds in rows 3 to 6 inches apart and up to ½ inch deep.
Set plants 18 to 24 inches apart with 30 inches between rows.
In early spring, be ready to protect plants from frost by covering them with old milk jugs, if necessary.
In summer, shade plants from the hot sun, if necessary.
When is the best time to plant?
The best time to plant cauliflower is early to mid April.
How do I propagate cauliflower?
Place the stem in water for several days. The shoot will start to grow new roots and leaves in the water. When you notice these new roots and leaves, transfer the new cauliflower plant to your garden or pot.
Can I grow cauliflower in a pot?
Yes, you can grow cauliflower in a pot.
How much should I water cauliflower?
Cauliflower should be watered 2 inches per square foot per week.
How do I care for cauliflower with fertilizer?
Cauliflower prefers to be fertilized infrequently.
When do cauliflowers bloom?
Cauliflower will bloom in the spring.
How do I know when cauliflower are ripe?
When the heads are compact, white, and firm.
When do I harvest cauliflower?
Cauliflower plants are usually ready to harvest in about 50 to 100 days, depending on variety, or 7 to 12 days after blanching.
What is the best way to store cauliflower?
Store fresh cauliflower heads in a loosely closed or perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. Cauliflower needs air circulation, so don’t seal or knot the bag closed.
Is a cauliflower a fruit or a vegetable?
Cauliflower is a vegetable.
Should I plant any companion plants?
Cauliflower grow well with beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, chard, spinach, cucumber, corn, radish.
What are the health benefits of the cauliflower?
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is naturally high in fiber and B-vitamins. It provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer. It also contains fiber to enhance weight loss and digestion, choline that is essential for learning and memory, and many other important nutrients
Cauliflower Soup
Rich & savory vegan soup.
Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.
~ Mark Twain