Cauliflower begins as a sturdy crown of blue-green leaves, then slowly gathers its center into a pale, tightly folded head. Cultivated from ancient Mediterranean cabbages, it has become one of the garden’s most striking transformations—an unopened mass of flower tissue hidden beneath broad sheltering leaves.
Varieties may form white, purple, orange, or green heads, including pointed Romanesco types. Cauliflower is a cool-season biennial grown as an annual, and it rewards steady growth, even moisture, and mild weather more than almost any other garden vegetable.
Growing Guide
Timing
Start seeds indoors about 4–6 weeks before transplanting. Set hardened spring plants outdoors about 2–4 weeks before the expected last frost.
Cauliflower forms its best heads in cool, settled weather. Sustained heat, severe cold, or interrupted growth can lead to small or poorly formed heads. For fall harvest, count backward from the variety’s days to maturity and allow extra time as autumn growth slows.
Sowing & Starting
Sow seeds about ¼–½ inch deep in moist seed-starting mix. Provide bright light and cool, steady growing conditions after emergence.
Harden seedlings gradually before transplanting and space them about 18–24 inches apart. Use young, actively growing plants rather than seedlings that have become root-bound or stressed, since cauliflower is sensitive to setbacks early in life.
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