![]() ![]() This may seem like a lot, but the more space you give to each plant, the larger each cauliflower head will be. This involves placing your modules outside for an hour on the first day, before slowly increasing this each day until your plants have spent all day and all night outside.Īt this point, create holes in your planting bed that are 60cm apart. However, before planting your cauliflowers outside, you’ll need to harden them off. You’ll know that your cauliflower plants are ready to move out once they’ve grown a few sets of true leaves. Although cauliflowers don’t like to be disturbed, allowing them to become root-bound would be even more detrimental. Regularly check to see if roots start to emerge from the drainage holes at the bottom of your pots. You can always use your thinnings in a salad or as a garnish – cauliflower microgreens are packed with nutrients!ĭepending on the size of pot you started with, you may need to pot up your seedlings before they move outside. Instead, use some sharp scissors to snip the weaker seedling at its base. Don’t try to pull them out and replant them, as this will only disturb the roots of the seedling left behind. Once your seedlings are about a week old, you’ll need to thin out the weaker seedling from each pot. Keep them consistently moist, making sure that they never dry out. Water is extremely important for cauliflower seedlings. To prevent this, make sure that you keep rotating the trays that they are growing in to give all parts of each plant even light exposure. Growing them by a window could turn them leggy, which will weaken your plants. Once they do, you’ll need to make sure that your seedlings are receiving plenty of bright light. It will take anywhere between 8-14 days for your cauliflower seeds to germinate. Place your modules into a cold frame or an unheated greenhouse and the seeds will still germinate, although this will take a little longer than if they were given heat. That being said, heat isn’t essential for germination. ![]() Remember – keeping temperatures consistent is the most important thing. However, that’s not attainable for many in the winter months, so try to aim for a temperature between 21-27☌ instead. Surprisingly, cauliflowers germinate best at temperatures of around 27☌. Place two cauliflower seeds into each indentation and then cover them back over.Make an indentation in the centre of each module, about 1.5cm deep.Water the modules well, making sure that the water is draining freely from the bottom of each one.Fill your modules/pots with a quality compost.Young cauliflower plants hate having their roots disturbed, so always start cauliflower seeds in modules or small pots, rather than single trays. While direct sowing may be the least labour intensive of the two methods, starting your seeds off indoors will give you better germination rates and healthier plants overall.Ĭauliflower seeds should be started about four to six weeks before your last frost date. How to Grow Cauliflowers from SeedĬauliflower seeds can be started indoors in late winter, or direct sown outside. Mix in plenty of quality compost and well-rotted animal manure, giving it the winter to settle into the soil. If possible, try to prepare your cauliflower planting bed the season before. Adding a few centimetres of compost over the top of poor soil won’t do – cauliflowers need this richness to run deep. In order to thrive, cauliflower needs a rich and fertile soil. That being said, partial shade during the hotter months of the year can be beneficial – too much direct sun could cause your cauliflowers to bolt. Cauliflower Light RequirementsĪlthough they require cool temperatures, cauliflowers also need full sun (we told you they were tricky!). This is why it’s crucial to get your timing right when growing cauliflower at home, taking your local climate into account. ![]() It needs these temperatures to be as consistent as possible, which is where many gardeners struggle. Cauliflower Temperature RequirementsĬauliflowers do best in temperatures between 16-18☌. If true cauliflower is what you’re after, then spring and summer is the best time of year to grow your own at home. This means that they’re a little easier to grow, but don’t taste quite the same as a true cauliflower. Most winter cauliflower varieties are actually more of a type of heading broccoli. There are three main types of cauliflower out there: Growing Cauliflowers: A Quick Snapshotĭepth – 1-2cm How to Grow Cauliflowers at Home However, get things right and you’ll be able to experience the immense satisfaction of harvesting perfectly-formed cauliflower heads in a spectacular array of shapes and colours. ![]() Cauliflowers are quite sensitive when it comes to growing conditions and temperature fluctuations, meaning that many find it a difficult vegetable to grow. ![]()
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