If their growth is checked at any time, cauliflowers are likely to produce small, deformed heads. Indoor-raised plants must be hardened off so they are acclimatised to outdoor conditions before transplanting. Don’t delay too long, as disturbing the roots at a later stage can cause plants to bolt (flower prematurely), ruining the harvest. Young cauliflower plants growing in a seedbed, raised from seed indoors or bought as plug plants should be transplanted to their final growing site when 10–15cm (4–6in) tall, at about six weeks old. You can see many crops, including cauliflowers and other brassicas, growing in the veg plots at the RHS gardens, so do visit to explore how they are grown, compare the varieties and pick up useful tips and inspiration. Look too for varieties with an RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), which shows they performed well in trials – see our list of AGM fruit and veg for RHS-recommended varieties of cauliflowers and many other crops. They generally keep their colour when cooked, unless boiled for too long.įor consistent crops of tasty, high-quality caulis, it’s best to choose F1 hybrid varieties, and if you’ve ever had problems with clubroot disease, select resistant varieties. Most modern varieties are very hardy and can be harvested through to spring.Īs well as traditional white or cream cauliflowers, there are varieties with striking purple, orange-yellow or lime-green heads for added ornamental appeal, both in the garden and on the plate. They need wide spacing and can take up quite a lot of room over a long period. These are slow growing, taking six months or more to mature, forming large heads. Winter varieties – sow indoors or outdoors from late spring to early summer.
They grow best in cool autumn weather and should be harvested before the first frosts.
They are slightly slower growing than summer types and bred to withstand higher summer temperatures, although light shade in the middle of the day is beneficial. They are quick to mature, in as little as three months, and less prone to problems.Īutumn varieties – sow indoors or outdoors in mid- to late spring. They are ideal if space is limited and can even be grown in containers. Mini-cauliflowers are mainly summer varieties, grown at closer spacing to keep them small, and harvested at tennis-ball size. They are generally easier to grow successfully than later varieties, especially if harvested before any hot, dry weather. They are fast growing and form smaller heads, ready to harvest in four or five months. Summer varieties – usually sow indoors from winter to early spring. There are several different types, sown and harvested at different times: Winter varieties tend to be larger and slow growing, taking up a lot of room for six months or more, so if you’re short on space, choose smaller, faster-growing summer or mini varieties. If you buy several different types, you can have cauliflowers practically all year round.ĭifferent varieties grow to various sizes, to suit whatever space you have available, from huge heads (curds) up to 30cm (1ft) across to mini-caulis just 10cm (4in) wide. There are faster-growing varieties for summer and autumn crops, and slower-growing varieties for harvesting in late winter and spring. There are lots of cauliflower varieties to choose from, grouped according to harvesting time. They should be grown with other brassicas in crop rotations. Summer and mini varieties are faster growing and less likely to encounter problems, so are a good option if you’re new to growing cauliflowers.Īs cauliflowers are brassicas, they are susceptible to the usual cabbage pests and diseases, so cover them with insect-proof mesh. They like cool, damp weather and tend to bolt or form small or deformed heads in hot or dry conditions. They are usually best sown indoors, then transplanted outdoors after about six weeks, once they have at least four true leaves. The key to success is to prevent any checks in their growth, keeping them consistently well-watered at all times. Cauliflowers have a delicious, mild, nutty flavour and are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.Ĭauliflowers are usually grown from seed, sown either indoors or outside, and like sun and fertile, moisture-retentive, well-firmed soil.Ĭauliflowers have a reputation for being tricky to grow. Malvern Autumn Show - 22–24 September 2023Ĭauliflowers are brassicas – members of the cabbage family – and form a single head (or curd), which is the immature flower cluster, harvested while still in tight bud.RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show - 5–10 September 2023.RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show - 18–20 August 2023.RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show - 2–6 August 2023.RHS Flower Show Tatton Park - 19–23 July 2023.RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival - 4–9 July 2023.
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