Sowing & Growing

From February to May, sowings can be made in trays or modules under glass at a temperature of 13°C. Later sowings can be done in a seedbed, placing the seeds in shallow drills 2cm (3/4″) deep in short rows.

Once glasshouse seedlings show their first pair of leaves, prick them off into trays, spacing them 5cm (2″) apart, or thin modules to one seedling per cell. Gradually harden off the seedlings before planting them out, ensuring that plants are spaced 45cm (18in) apart between plants and 60cm (24in) between the rows. For outdoor sowings, thin the plants to 7-10cm (3-4in) apart. When the plants reach 15cm (6in) in height, they can be lifted and transplanted into their final positions, spaced the same as mentioned above.

The plants will reach maturity between mid-July and October.

A handy tip: Cauliflowers do not tolerate any disruption in growth. A lack of water can cause premature formation of small heads. To ensure perfect curds, water regularly and fertilize as the heads begin to form.