Plant Database / Vegetables / Cauliflower
Vegetables

Cauliflower

Brassica oleracea botrytis
Brassicaceae (Mustard)

The diva of the brassicas — worth it, but it wants steady cool weather and even water.

EdibleCool-season
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea botrytis) illustration — Texas Roots plant database, by Jordan Polasek
Sun
Full sun
Water
Even — fussy about consistency
Soil
Rich, firm
pH
6.0–7.0
Hardiness
Cool-season
Height
18–24 in
Spacing
18–24 in
Days to harvest
70–100

What it is

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea botrytis) is in the Brassicaceae (Mustard) family. The diva of the brassicas — worth it, but it wants steady cool weather and even water.

How to grow it

It wants full sun, water it even — fussy about consistency, and give it rich, firm soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 18–24 in apart. Expect roughly 70–100. Cool-season.

How it's used

Cauliflower is used: roasted, riced, raw.

🔎 How to identify it

  • Broad blue-green leaves
  • White curd head
  • Leaves wrap the head

Edibility

PartsHead (curd)
UsesRoasted, riced, raw
CautionShade the head ('blanching') for pure white.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.

Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.