Cauliflower plants are a cool season annual vegetable in the Brassica family. They grow best in loose, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. The plants can reach up to 2 feet tall and spread about 1 foot wide. Cauliflower heads are composed of tightly packed, white flower buds. The leaves are deeply lobed and green in color. The plant requires consistent moisture, and prefers temperatures between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cauliflower is a heavy feeder, so regular fertilization is essential.
Planning Your Garden With Cauliflower
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Cauliflower is an annual plant. |
| USDA Zone | Cauliflower is hardy in USDA Zones 2-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Cauliflower is a cold-hardy vegetable, and can tolerate temperatures down to 20. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for cauliflower is around 70-80 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown cauliflower plant is about 18-24 inches in diameter. |
| Spacing requirements | Cauliflower plants should be spaced 12 to 24 inches apart when grown in rows, and 18 to 24 inches apart when grown in raised beds or hills. |
| Sun tolerance | Cauliflower is considered a cool-season crop and can be damaged by temperatures above 75°F (24°C). It is best to plant cauliflower in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler. |
| Shade tolerance | Cauliflower is a moderately shade tolerant plant, but it prefers full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not produce as much yield as it would in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Cauliflower needs moist soil and plenty of water. The soil should be kept evenly moist throughout the growing season, but not soggy. Aim to provide 1-2 inches of water per week either through rainfall or irrigation. If the soil dries out too much, the heads will not form properly. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing cauliflower depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden space. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing cauliflower is 6.0 to 6.8. |
Why Cauliflower is Popular
People like to grow cauliflower because it is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different recipes. It is also relatively easy to grow, and can be harvested in as little as 55 days. Cauliflower is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any diet.
Companion Plants For Cauliflower
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for cauliflower include:
Common Pests For Cauliflower
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow cauliflower, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- harlequin bugs
- flea beetles
- aphids
- cabbage loopers
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
