Soil requirements
- Rich, consistent mix. A stalled transplant often never makes a proper curd.
Watering
- More sensitive to dry raised beds than kale. Mulch.
Sunlight
Full sun in cool weather. Heat plus sun ricing or buttoning.
Planting
- Transplant carefully. Do not let starts get root-bound and hungry on the porch.
- Tie wrapper leaves over white types to keep curds pale if the variety is not self-blanching.
Spacing
- 18 inches. One per square.
Common problems
No head / ricing
Heat, drought, or a transplant check. Fall crops are more reliable in many states.
Cabbage worms
Same as broccoli. Row cover.
Helpful tools
- Row cover
- Garden twine for blanching
Product links will be added when independently researched. See the garden tools hub for buying criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Is cauliflower harder than broccoli?
Usually yes. Broccoli will still give side shoots after a heat wave. Cauliflower often gives you one chance at a curd.