How to Grow Cauliflower

Intermediate

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

A cool-season brassica that forms dense white heads (curds). Needs consistent moisture and blanching for white varieties. More temperature-sensitive than broccoli.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity

55–100 days

typical

Per Square Foot

Plant Spacing

46 cm / 18"

Sun

6+ hours

Water

1.5" / 38 mm

Fertilization

heavy feeder

Growing Notes

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Blanch white varieties by tying leaves over the curd. Harvest when heads are firm and compact.

Varieties & Cultivars

7 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Classic white cauliflower

(1)

Snowball YC

65–75 days Open-Pollinated

reliable producer; good for fall planting; standard variety

Height: 12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 1.0 oz (28 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: easy
Seed viability: 5 years

Lime-green fractal spirals

(1)

Romanesco

75–100 days Open-Pollinated

striking appearance

Height: 18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 1.1 lb (500 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: difficult
Seed viability: 5 years

Purple

(2)

Graffiti

75–85 days Hybrid

colour holds when roasted; no blanching needed

Height: 18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 1.5 lb (680 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: difficult
Seed viability: 5 years

Purple of Sicily

75–90 days Open-Pollinated

turns green when cooked

Height: 24–30" (61–76 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 1.3 lb (600 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: moderate
Seed viability: 5 years

White

(3)

Amazing

68–80 days Open-Pollinated

solid dense white heads; good for fall crops

Height: 24–30" (61–76 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 1.8 lb (800 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: difficult
Seed viability: 5 years

Cheddar

58–75 days Hybrid

early maturing; no blanching needed

Height: 18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 1.5 lb (700 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: difficult
Seed viability: 5 years

Snowball

55–70 days Open-Pollinated

compact heads

Height: 18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 1.5 lb (680 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: moderate
Seed viability: 5 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside cauliflower, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Onion : Onions repel cabbage moths from cauliflower

Rosemary : Rosemary repels cabbage moths from cauliflower

Garlic : Garlic deters cabbage pests from cauliflower

Thyme : Thyme repels cabbage worms from cauliflower

Beet : Complementary root zones; beets do not compete with cauliflower

Dill : Dill attracts beneficial insects that protect cauliflower

Mint : Mint deters cabbage pests from cauliflower (grow in containers)

Basil : Basil repels aphids from cauliflower

Oregano : Oregano deters cabbage moths from cauliflower

Spinach : Spinach fills space between cauliflower plants

Lettuce : Lettuce uses space between cauliflower plants

Sage : Sage repels cabbage moths from cauliflower

Chives : Chives deter aphids from cauliflower

Keep Apart

Strawberry : Brassicas compete with strawberries for nutrients

Tomato : Both are heavy feeders competing for nutrients

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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