The Complete Guide to Growing and Harvesting Cauliflower

Choose the Right Variety: Select cauliflower varieties suited to your climate (early, mid, or late season).

Planting: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow seedlings after frost danger passes.

Soil Preparation: Use fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Mix compost or aged manure to enrich.

Transplanting: Harden seedlings before transplanting outdoors, spacing plants about 18-24 inches apart.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cauliflower needs regular watering for healthy heads.

Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.

Blanching: When heads start forming, protect the white curds from sun by tying outer leaves over the head or using shade cloth to prevent discoloration.

Pest Control: Watch for pests like aphids and cabbage worms; use natural or chemical control methods as needed.

Serving and storage tips