Cauliflower is a cool season vegetable that is high in Vitamins and Iron and should find a place in every garden. Friends of mine who do not have a dedicated veggie patch still grow cauliflower and broccoli right along side their flowers.

Cauliflower can be grown from seed at home or you can buy it in punnets from your local garden shop. When growing from seeds you can begin sowing mid summer through to autumn.

How to grow cauliflower - planting

Start preparing your planting area by loosening the soil to a spades depth and removing any rocks and stones. Dig in lots of compost and manure to the bed. Space your seedlings about 50cm apart as the leaves need space to spread as they grow. Keep them well watered and do not allow sudden changes like a period without water as this will cause the cauli's heads to form incorrectly.

Long term care

After about 4 weeks you will need to feed your plants with a nitrogen feed or some worm tea. When the heads are about 10cm in diamater, fold the leaves over the crown so that it does not get sunburnt and to keep it nice and white.

Harvesting Cauliflower

Depending on your cultivar, anytime from 15 - 20 weeks, your cauliflowers will be ready to harvest. Use a sharp knife to cut the whole head off the plant. The stem and leaves can go onto your compost heap.

Quick Notes

When to plant: Sow seed late Summer to Autumn. Plant out seedlings as the weather cools after summer.

How many plants: 6 plants.

How long to harvest: 15 - 20 weeks

Successive planting: Every 4 - 6 weeks