How to Grow Cauliflower

An incredibly versatile vegie, cauliflower can be grown and harvested to make a cheesy cauliflower bake, mashed cauliflower (the kids won't know the difference!) or low-carb cauliflower 'rice'. Give it the right growing conditions from the start and you'll be rewarded with an abundant crop!

Full sun

Regular and deep watering

Moist, well-drained soil

Suitable for all climatic zones.

Pick your cauliflower when the head or curd is firm, tight and about 20cm across. This can take between 14–18 weeks depending on the variety (check the label)

Certain varieties can be planted anytime of the year (check the label)

How to grow cauliflower in a garden

Step 1

Fill starter pots or trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Sow seeds, cover, firm down and water well. Keep the soil moist so the seeds don't dry out.

Step 2

While the seedlings are growing, choose a sunny spot in the garden and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. Add a little Yates Hydrangea Pinking Liquid if soil is acidic.

Step 3

Once seedlings have emerged, feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food. Allow seedlings to grow to about 7cm before transplanting.

Step 4

When transplanting them into your prepared garden bed, ensure seedlings are well spaced – at least 30 to 40cm apart. Mulch with an organic mulch, such as sugar cane or pea straw and water in well.

Step 5

Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food to ensure strong root development and a fruitful crop.

How to grow cauliflower in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that is at least 300mm wide and 300mm deep. Position in full sun and protect from strong winds.

Step 2

Fill the pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Sow seeds, cover, firm down and water well.

Step 4

Once the seedlings emerge, feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Yates varieties

Growing tips

To help reduce soil borne diseases, avoid planting cauliflowers in a garden bed where you have grown cauliflowers, broccoli or cabbages in the last 2 years.
Cauliflower grows best in soil that is fertile and soft, so ensure you enrich your soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser prior to planting.
The head or curd of the cauliflower (the white flowering head) can also get sunburnt, just like you and I. You can protect it from the sun and help keep it white by covering the top with 1 or 2 cauliflower leaves.
The development of the Cauliflower head can be affected by the sowing time, temperature fluctuations and watering frequency during growth. Planting earlier in the season, especially in warmer climates, will give the Cauliflower enough time to mature before the hot weather arrives. Additionally, regular watering during growing season will help with the development of the head.