Cauliflower

Cauliflower varieties are grouped mainly by color and harvest timing. Traditional white types form dense, snowy heads that require blanching to maintain color and tenderness. Purple and orange varieties add garden interest and extra antioxidants, while Romanesco offers striking green, spiral-shaped heads with a nutty flavor.

Gardeners looking for classic, reliable harvests stick with white types, while adventurous growers enjoy colorful or uniquely textured varieties to diversify their cool-season garden.

Spring: Start seeds indoors 4–5 weeks before last frost, or transplant 2 weeks before last frost.

Fall: Sow 6–8 weeks before the first fall frost date but after daytime temperatures are regularly below 75°F.

Pro Tip: Cauliflower needs to be transplanted not direct seeded in the garden. Cauliflower should be started in greenhouse or under a grow light. It normally takes 4-6 weeks to grow out a transplant from seed.

Soil Requirements:

Adjust soil pH between 6.0–7.0

Rich in compost or organic matter

Loamy, well-drained soil

Fertilizer Schedule:

Before Planting:
Mix 1½ cups of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft of row

2-3 Weeks After Transplanting:
Sidedress with 2 cups of HOSS All-In-One Vegetable Fertilizer per 10-15 ft row.

If using Fertilizer injector, 1 cup 20-20-20 Fertilizer and 1-2 cups microboost per 20 ft row.

3-4 Weeks after transplanting:

Side dress of one cup of Hoss All-In-One Fertilizer per 10 ft of row.

If using fertilizer injector, Mix 1 cup of Hoss Premium Calcium Nitrate  and 1-2 cups of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20-30 ft. row.

14 days later:

Rotate between the steps for 2-3 weeks and 3-4 weeks every 14 days.

Harvest: Blanch white varieties by tying outer leaves over the head to protect from sun. Harvest when heads are compact, firm, and 6–8" across. Cut with a sharp knife, leaving a few leaves to protect the curd.

Storage: Refrigerate fresh cauliflower in a loose plastic bag for up to 1 week. For long-term storage, cut into florets, blanch 3 minutes, cool in an ice bath, drain, and freeze.

Preservation Tip: Harvest promptly once heads are firm—overmature cauliflower will discolor and separate. Twister cauliflower self-wraps and does not require blanching.

• Rotate crops yearly—avoid planting cauliflower or other brassicas in the same spot for 2–3 years to prevent soil-borne diseases.

• Mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and keep heads clean.

• Remove and compost healthy plant residues after harvest; destroy diseased plants to prevent spread.

• Blanch heads for better color and flavor, unless growing self-wrapping varieties like Twister.

• Encourage beneficial insects and pollinators by interplanting with flowers or herbs like dill, cilantro, or alyssum.
• Water consistently—uneven watering can cause small or “ricey” heads.