Cauliflower Growing Guide Brassica oleracea var. botrytis Crop Rotation Group Brassicas (Cabbage family) ● Soil Rich, moist soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Yes. Feeding Mix composted manure or another high-nitrogen compost into the soil before planting. When heads begin to form, feed with a liquid plant food. Spacing Single Plants: 1' 7" (50cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 1' 5" (45cm) with 1' 11" (60cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Sow indoors in early spring, and set out while the soil is still cool. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Cabbageworms are small green larvae of the cabbage white butterfly. You can use row covers to keep them from eating plants. Bend over a few leaves if required so that the cauliflower head is kept shaded while it is forming. Harvesting Harvest when the head has fully developed, but before the curd becomes loose, with a "ricey" appearance. Troubleshooting When plants are stressed by cold or drought, they may refuse to make heads. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Cauliflower Aphids (General) Cabbage Root Maggot Cabbage Worm Diamondback Moth Slug Snail Plant Diseases which Affect Cauliflower Brassica Alternaria Leaf Spot Brassica Black Rot Brassica Downy Mildew Cabbage Soft Rot