Cauliflower is an easy plant to grow because of the perfect growing conditions. Start your cauliflower seeds indoors at least 6 to 10 weeks before the last frost date in the spring. These seeds germinate at 45 degrees F.
You can also grow your cauliflower from transplants. Put them in the garden 2 to 6 weeks before the last frost about 6 weeks after planting when plants have at least 4 to 5 leaves.
Harvest Cauliflower
Depending on the variety planted, cauliflower takes between 50 and 70 days to mature.
When the leaves are whitened, and if the growing conditions are good, the curd develops and matures within 7-10 days. Look for full, dense, firm, white heads. To remove the heads, cut the plant at the main stem (leave a few outer leaves for protection) before the heads start to look “ricey”; by then they are overripe and won’t taste good. Another sign that your cauliflower is overripe and will start to deteriorate quickly is the formation of individual florets. After harvesting your crop, you can dispose of the plants in your compost pile, as cauliflowers do not usually produce side shoots or a second crop. Cauliflower, like most garden vegetables can be frozen for later consumption. Be sure to blanch them first and then place them in the freezer immediately after draining and drying them.
When to Plant Cauliflower
- Cauliflower requires 55 to 100 days of cool, even temperatures to reach harvest.
- Cauliflower is usually grown from a transplant. Start cauliflower seed indoors 6 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.
- Seedlings started indoors can go into the garden 2 to 6 weeks before the last frost when plants have 4 to 5 true leaves.
- Cauliflower seeds germinate in about 10 days at 45°F (7°C).
- Direct cauliflower seeds into the garden where the soil temperature is between 65°F and 75°F (18-24°C) and the weather will remain cool.
- Cauliflower for fall crops can be sown directly 8 to 12 weeks before the first expected frost in the fall. Cauliflower does not like extremes of temperature, hot or cold; it does not tolerate dry conditions.
- In frost-free mild winter regions, sow cauliflower in autumn for a winter harvest. Extreme temperatures will cause cauliflower to bolt and go to seed.
More tips: Planting Cauliflower.
From Seed
Since Romanesco enjoys cool weather, it is a good idea to start seeds within six to eight weeks before the average last frost date in your area.
This way, it will be a young, strong plant by the time you transplant it into the garden, and will do most of its growth in the cooler part of spring and early summer.
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