Coyau / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Cauliflower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Edible
Edible Partsflowers
Overview
A refined brassica that demands more care than its cabbage relatives, cauliflower rewards attentive gardeners with its dense, creamy-white curds. Purple, orange, and green varieties offer both novelty and enhanced nutrition — purple cauliflower gets its color from the same anthocyanins found in blueberries. It thrives in cool conditions and is notoriously sensitive to heat stress, which causes premature bolting.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones3 — 10
Height0.6m
Spread0.6m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanAnnual
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, moist, well-drained soil with consistent moisture
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start 6-8 weeks before last frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after hardening off |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Aug | Harvest when heads are firm and tight |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start 6-8 weeks before last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant in cool weather |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Harvest before curds separate |
| Moderate (5-7) | Start Indoors | Jan — Feb | Start 6-8 weeks before transplant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant before heat |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Jun | Harvest when 6-8" across |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Fall crop only in warm zones |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Nov — Dec | Fall crop harvest |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Cool-season only |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Feb (wraps) | Winter harvest |
Uses
Culinary
- Roasted whole or as florets with spices
- Riced as a low-carb grain substitute
- Pureed into creamy soups and sauces
Medicinal
- Rich in sulforaphane and other glucosinolates
- Good source of choline for brain health
- High in vitamin C and B vitamins
Other Uses
- Interesting colored varieties for ornamental kitchen gardens
