Cauliflower (Brassica cauliflora var. botrytis)
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Sowing:
Seed Depth: Germination Soil Temp: Days to Germinate Date to sow Indoors: Date to sow Outdoors: |
1/4 inch 80 Degrees 6 4 - 6 weeks before frost March 1 - April 1 and July 15 - August 15 |
Growing:
pH Range: Growing Temp: Spacing: Watering: Light: Nutrient Req's: Rotation: Seed Longevity: |
6.0 - 6.5 60 - 70 Degrees 15 inch, staggered rows Moderate 6 - 8 hours High N, P and K Avoid cole crops, plant after beans 4 years |
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Description
Soil Fertilizer Planting Cultivation Care Companions Varieties Harvest Health Benefits |
Cauliflower is a cool-season cole crop. It is the most difficult in the cole crop family to grow. Cauliflower is sensitive to frost damage and heat stress and bolts easily. It can be eaten cooked or raw.
Cauliflower tolerates a wide variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soils. Fertilize cabbage with 8 pounds of 13-13-13 per 100 feet of row apply composted manures. Sidedress at 2 to 3 week intervals with 1 1/2 cups of ammonium nitrate per 100 feet of row or compost teas. If planting transplants, they should be set in early April or late July. Seeding should be done in late July. Plants should be fertilized with a side dressing of composted manure or a balanced fertilizer. Set transplants in April or late July. Cauliflower requires the best conditions and is considered a difficult crop to grow. Beet, bush bean, carrot, cucumber, dill, kale, lettuce, nasturtium, calendula, onion, sage, spinach, and tomato plants. Andes, Early White, Imperial, Snow Ball, Snow Crown, Snow King and Violet Queen Hybrid Cut center heads when they are tight. Secondary heads will develop in leaf axils. These can be harvested after the center head is removed. Overly mature flowers become open and loose. Cauliflower has 55 to 65 days to harvest and has a length of harvest of 2 weeks. High in dietary fiber, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, selenium, folic acid and vitamins C, K and B6. > Back to the Vegetable Page |
Source: UT Extension, PB1578 - Tennessee Master Gardener Handbook
