You can pick them off at night, when they’re out and about, or use a diatomaceous earth treatment to control them.Īlso use diatomaceous earth to control flea beetles, which will eat holes in the leaves and feed on the cauliflower’s young roots. Slugs and snails eat holes in the foliage and leave a slimy trail along the plant. The larva of insects, which typically are cabbage worms, are some of the most destructive pests to cauliflower. Imported cabbage worms are green with an orange stripe. Cabbage webworms are small and green-striped. There are several different kinds of cabbage worms, such as cabbage webworms and the imported cabbage worm. This pest’s larva will create tunnels in the cauliflower’s white head. A clue that you may have aphids is if you notice ants, because ants will farm the aphids for their secretion.Ĭabbage loopers are light green with yellow stripes. They can hurt cauliflower plants by sucking on its leaves or stems, or it can also produce a secretion that covers the plant’s flowers and stunts growth. Several common pests affecting cauliflower plants are aphids, cabbage loopers, cabbage worms, slugs, snails and flea beetles.Īphids are small insects with soft bodies. The most common signs are holes in the leaves, missing foliage or poor vigor and missing vegetation. There are several signs and symptoms a cauliflower plant will display if it is being affected by insects. Different plants are susceptible to different types of pests and diseases, and it is important to make yourself aware so you can keep a watchful eye and also take any preventative methods to keep your plants safe throughout their lifespan.Ĭauliflower can fall victim to several different pests and diseases. When growing vegetables, it is always exciting to care for the plant throughout its growing phase and then harvest it for delicious recipes later on, but one thing to watch out for is pests and diseases.

The plant should be ready to harvest about a week or two after blanching. This is called blanching, and it protects the head from the sun. When the head is about 3 inches in diameter, tie outer leaves together with twine or a rubber band.

Cauliflower takes nearly 80 days before it is ready to harvest. For the fall crop, gardeners may need to shade their cauliflower if temperatures rise too high. To grow:įor spring cauliflower, cover the plants if it is projected to get too cold. For fall cauliflower, plant it six to eight weeks before the first frost but after 75-degree days. Space transplants about 18 inches apart in rows set 30 inches apart. Transplant the seedlings outdoors two weeks before the last frost. Inconsistent temperatures can also cause buttoning.īegin cauliflower plants indoors four weeks before the last frost but increase that time to seven weeks before the last frost if the spring season is short. This prevents “buttoning,” which is when a cauliflower produces smaller, button-shaped heads rather than a large, full head. Prior to planting cauliflower seeds, add compost to the soil. Experienced gardeners may have more success with cauliflower than beginners. Cauliflower requires consistent temperatures of around 60 degrees. It is a bit pickier than its green-budded relative, as it does not tolerate excessive heat or cold very well. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.Cauliflower is a relative to broccoli and cabbage, and it is a cool-season vegetable, which makes it best for a fall harvest.

Cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Plant cauliflowers at a distance of 25cm (10') between plants each way for 'baby heads', and 60cm (24') apart for larger heads. Apply lime to acid soils to reduce the acidity and lessen the risk of clubroot. Prepare the soil in early spring by adding plenty of well rotted farmyard manure to the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Gradually acclimatise Cauliflower plants to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting in a sheltered position on firm, rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3') pots and grow Cauliflower plants on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and plants are large enough to be transplanted outdoors. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 21C (70F) until after germination which takes 4 -7 days. Cauliflower plants can be transplanted to their final positions approximately 5 weeks from sowing.Īlternatively sow Cauliflower seed indoors at a depth of 1cm (1/2') in trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost and cover with a sprinkling of vermiculite. Sow at a depth of 1cm (1/2') and distance of 30cm (12') between rows. Direct sow outdoors into a well prepared seedbed, for transplanting to their final positions later on.

Planting cauliflower seeds indoors