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Vegetable
Cauliflower

Cauliflowers in Barnwell

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

A brassica grown for its tight white curds. In the UK it needs steady growth, firm soil, and protection from pigeons and cabbage white butterflies. Keep it well watered in dry spells or the curds can stay small or go loose.

Height60cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterModerate Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Cauliflower

Planting Calendar

Seed IndoorLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FertiliseNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

  1. Sow Seeds Indoors

    24 Feb – 11 Mar

    Sow seeds in modules around 24th February - 11th March, about deep. Keep them cool and evenly moist, then prick out the strongest seedlings once they have a couple of true leaves.

  2. Transplant and Firm In

    24 Apr – 8 May

    Plant out around 24th April - 8th May, when seedlings are sturdy and easy to handle. Set them at final spacing, water in well, and firm the soil hard around each plant so it will not rock in the wind.

  3. Protect Plants

    1 May – 8 May

    From 1st May, fit fine netting over the crop and keep the edges well sealed to block pigeons and cabbage white butterflies. Add brassica collars at the stem base soon after planting to reduce cabbage root fly damage.

  4. Feed Regularly

    1 May – 1 Dec
    every 4 weeks

    Start feeding from 1st May and keep going until 1st December. Use a nitrogen-rich feed every 28 days, and keep the soil moist so the plants grow on steadily rather than checking.

  5. Harvest Curds

    30 Jun – 1 Dec

    Cut curds from 30th June - 1st December while they are still tight and before the flower heads loosen. Harvest with a clean knife, and pick promptly once the curd reaches a good size because warm spells can push plants into flower quickly.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Cauliflower.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested Varieties

Popular varieties of Cauliflower to consider

All The Year Round

A reliable open-pollinated type for general use and succession sowing.

Igloo

A neat white variety that can be grown for a dependable summer crop.

Autumn Giant

Suited to later sowing for a larger curd in cooler weather.

Snowball

A classic early type for smaller, quick-maturing curds.

Also in nearby towns

See how Cauliflower timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.