The ideal range for cauliflower germination falls between 40°F (4°C) and 85°F (29°C). However, the optimal temperature is typically around 75°F (24°C).

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to your last frost date, or direct sow 2-3 weeks prior to your last frost date.

Plant out cauliflower seedlings after the threat of hard frost (below 28°F (10°C) for several hours) has passed.

Full sunlight: at least 6-8 hours a day.

Space plants 12-18″ apart. Be sure to check the seed packet for specifics on your variety’s size.

Cauliflower is a cool weather crop, with ideal daytime temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Cauliflower is a cold tolerant crop, but can only withstand light frost (28°F to 32°F (-2°C to 0°C).

Keep the soil consistently moist.  Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.

Cauliflower does not require pruning.

Harvest cauliflower while heads are compact and firm before they open up. Use a knife or garden shears to remove the head and several inches of the stem.

Cauliflower is propagated from seeds. Cauliflower cross-pollinates with not only other cauliflower varieties but also other brassica plants, so saved seeds are often not true.

White cauliflower varieties must be blanched not only to keep the head white but also to prevent the flavor from turning bitter. When the head is about the size of a golf ball, tie up the leaves around the head using twine or a rubber band.

Like all brassica crops, cauliflower is highly susceptible to the cabbage worm and cabbage looper which can decimate entire crops. Consider growing cauliflower under insect netting.