There’s just something about vegies that grow through the heart of winter – you appreciate them all the more. In this season of red wine and cosy fires, it’s the brassicas (cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts) that take centre stage in the patch. Of all the cool-season vegies that I grow, cauliflower gives me the most pleasure. The mild sweet curds are nutrient-dense, rich in antioxidants and soak up everything, so they come alive in soups and stews, and can be roasted, tossed into curries and stir-fries or turned into rice.
My personal favourite is roasted cauliflower steaks with olive oil, garlic powder and paprika. The part we eat (the curd) is actually a cluster of undeveloped flower buds. In fact, the name “cauliflower” comes from the Italian “cavolfiore”, meaning “cabbage flower”.
Cauliflower fast facts
- Aspect: Cauliflower prefers full sun. However, the head can get sunburnt once it appears. Blanching is a way to protect it from the sun and involves covering the white top with 1 or 2 cauliflower leaves. Doing this, allows it to stay white and tender.
- Soil: PH level 6.5-7.5. Growing cauliflower prefers well-draining soil.
- Spacing: At least 30- 40 cm apart.
- Common pests: Common garden pests you will encounter when growing cauliflower include white cabbage moths and aphids.
- Disease: To help avoid diseases in your cauliflower, avoid planting them in the same garden bed where you’ve grown cauliflowers, broccoli or cabbages in the last 2 years.
- Water: Water cauliflower 2-3 a week for the first month, reducing it to once or twice a week, depending on how much rain there’s been.
- Mulch: mulch with an organic mulch, such as sugar cane or pea straw and water in well.
Cauliflower varieties
Several cauliflower plant varieties to grow in Australia. Here are some popular options:
Snowball: This is a classic variety that is easy to grow and produces large, dense heads. It is a cool-season crop and can be planted in autumn or early winter.
All year round: As the name suggests, this variety can be planted throughout the year and produces many medium-sized heads. It is a good choice for those who want to have a continuous harvest.
Graffiti: This variety has a vibrant purple colour and is highly nutritious. It is a cool-season crop that can be planted in autumn or early winter.
Mini or baby cauliflower: These are smaller varieties of cauliflower that are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. They are perfect for smaller gardens or those wanting to try something different.
Romanesco: This variety has a unique appearance, with lime-green spiky heads that form a fractal pattern. It is a cool-season crop that can be planted in autumn or early winter.
The cauliflower type you choose to grow will come down to various factors, including the climate you live in, the growing season of the variety of cauliflower, the head size, flavour and texture of the cauliflower variety you prefer and availability.
How to plant cauliflower
Sow cauliflower seeds into small pots or punnets and transplant them into the garden when they are about 10cm tall, or simply grow them from seedlings.
For the best harvest, plant cauliflower in a spot with full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Prepare the soil for planting by incorporating lots of compost and well-rotted manure. Cauliflowers generally prefer a soil pH of about 6.5, so add lime to the soil if it’s too acidic (pH below 6.5).
If you don’t have the time or resources to start your seeds. Cauliflower seedlings are usually available from nurseries or garden centres, and they can be transplanted directly into your garden.
Caring for your cauliflower
In the early phases of growth, cauliflowers benefit from a good dose of nitrogen, such as from blood and bone. This promotes leaf growth and strong stems to support the head. Once the heads begin to form, use a balanced fertiliser with plenty of potassium and phosphorus for firm, tasty curds.
Water your crop consistently throughout the growing season, as uneven watering can lead to small or bitter heads. Blanching is an age-old practice of tying the outer leaves over the cauliflower head with twine or rubber bands. This keeps it white and prevents bitterness. Some varieties are self-blanching, and their leaves naturally curl over the head to provide protection.
Cauliflower can occupy space in the garden for a while, so I like to interplant it with fast-growing loose-leaf lettuces that can be harvested while I wait. If your garden space is tight, try growing a few cauliflower plants in pots or plant compact varieties with mini heads.
Your delicious cauliflower is ready to harvest when the head is firm and about 20cm. This can take between 14–18 weeks, depending on the variety.
Cut the cauliflower high on the stem just below the head, then remove the entire plant from your garden.
Onion, dill and chamomile are the best companion plants as they draw away pests and protect the plant from cabbage moth and cabbage butterfly.
Cauliflower can be grown in large pots but prefers a veggie patch.
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