Field guide
How to grow cauliflower: planting, care, and harvest guide
Cauliflower typically reaches first harvest in 55–80 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant cauliflower by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — May to June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — April to May
- USDA Zones 7–8 — March to April
- USDA Zones 9–10 — February to March
- USDA Zones 11–13 — October to January
Companion plants
Good companions: beans, Celery, Onions
Avoid planting with: Strawberries, Tomato (Slicing)
Harvest
When to pick
- Head is 6-8 inches across, compact and white (or purple/green for those varieties)
- Curds are smooth and tight — ricey texture means it's past prime
- Blanch white varieties by tying outer leaves over the head 7-10 days before harvest
How: Cut at the base of the head, leaving a few wrapper leaves for protection. Unlike broccoli, cauliflower usually does not produce side shoots.
Storage: Refrigerate in a perforated bag for up to 2 weeks. Freezes well after blanching.
Common pests and problems
Cabbage Worms
Signs: Holes in leaves, caterpillars, white butterflies
Control: Same as broccoli — Bt, row covers, hand-picking.
Aphids
Signs: Gray-green clusters in crevices
Control: Insecticidal soap. Remove affected leaves.
About this field guide
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