#Best way to grow cauliflower from seed how to#
#Best way to grow cauliflower from seed full#

First, time planting so that plants have fully formed heads at the time of lifting. When plants cannot be successfully overwintered in the garden, they can be vernalized in storage. In this case, time planting so that plants have only formed small, loose heads when the growing season ends. If your region does not regularly experience temperatures below 35 degrees F, try overwintering cauliflower outside in the ground. If you’re saving seeds for genetic preservation of a rare variety, save seeds from 80 plants. When maintaining a variety over many generations, save seeds from 20-50 plants. To ensure viable seeds, save seeds from at least 5 plants. Separate varieties by 800 feet - ½ mile in their second year of growth. Because of this, isolation needs to be managed thoughtfully, but because most are biennials that will not flower until their second season, a gardener can grow multiple varieties for eating while simultaneously growing one variety for seed saving.

#Best way to grow cauliflower from seed how to#

How to Save Cauliflower SeedsĬauliflower belong to the Brassica oleracea species, which includes many other crop types, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and collards. Storingįresh cauliflower heads will store in the refrigerator for several weeks after harvest. It is an incredibly versatile vegetable that is also great to blanch, freeze, and store for winter. EatingĬauliflower can be enjoyed fresh, steamed, roasted, stir fried, and pureed. Blanching, or wrapping the developing head with the plant’s own leaves, can help prevent discoloration. If left too long on the plant, cauliflower heads can become off-colored and mushy. When and How to HarvestĬut cauliflower heads from the plant when they are large and firm. Cauliflower, like broccoli and other Brassica crops, can be protected with row cover to prevent early damage from pests such as flea beetles. Cauliflower can also suffer from downy mildew, black rot, and several other diseases. Common Pests and DiseasesĬabbage butterfly, cabbage looper, and flea beetles are common garden pests for cauliflower. Southern gardeners will find success growing plants anytime in the fall and winter when hard frost can be avoided and temperatures are consistently cool. Northern gardeners may transplant seedlings to the garden in the early spring after danger of hard frost has passed, or try a late summer planting for a fall harvest.

Space cauliflower 24 inches apart in the garden. Start seedlings indoors at least 4-6 weeks before your expected transplant date.

Cauliflower plants are regularly started in flats and subsequently transplanted to the garden. Days to maturity can also vary greatly from 55-100 days.

#Best way to grow cauliflower from seed full#

Plants prefer consistent, cool weather (60 degrees F is ideal) and will not produce a full head if temperatures are too high. Time of Plantingįiguring out the best time to start cauliflower plants can be challenging. Like other Brassica crops, cauliflower requires a generous amount of space in the garden to grow, especially in its second year of growth. Cauliflower belongs to the species Brassica oleracea, which also includes broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.