Latin Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Alternative Names: Romanesco Broccoli
Main Uses: Culinary

Days to Maturity: 50 days to maturity
Exposure: Full sun
Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination Instructions: Cauliflower prefers well-drained fertile soils high in organic matter.
Direct seed 1/2” deep.
Seeding rate - 3 seeds per foot, plant spacing 18 - 24”.
Row spacing 24 - 36”. Transplanting is recommended for spring crops, especially in the Northeast.
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the planting date.
The optimal soil temperature for germination is 65-75°F, but cauliflower will germinate as low as 50°F.  
Transplant out when seedlings have 4-5 true leaves. Older plants are more susceptible to bolting if temperatures are uneven.

Harvesting: Cauliflower heads should be harvested while curds are still tight. Check fields every 2-3 days. Cover developing heads or tie leaves together to protect heads from sunlight for a blanched effect. Self-blanching varieties have tight leaf curls around heads so minimize the need to cover. Harvest heads promptly when they are full-size but still compact, white, and smooth. Delaying harvest results in curds turning loose and ricey. Cool cauliflower immediately after harvest to retain quality.

Growing in Containers: Well suited for large raised beds, but not smaller containers.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Not well suited for mixed planters.

Suitability for Indoors: Not suited for indoors.