How to grow Cauliflower in the UK
Brassica oleracea
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. Fussy — bolts at the slightest stress. Bend leaves over curd to keep it white. This guide covers when and how to sow Cauliflower, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Cauliflower
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar Sow | Apr | May Plant | Jun Harvest | Jul Harvest | Aug Harvest | Sep Harvest | Oct Harvest | Nov Harvest | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Rich, firm, moisture-retentive soil — lime if acid
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Position
- Open, sunny site
- Sowing depth
- 1.5 cm
- Spacing
- 60 cm apart
- Sowing
- Tricky — needs steady growth, never let it check; sow in succession
- Growing
- Keep weed-free and evenly watered; mulch to hold moisture
- Harvest & upkeep
- Snap a leaf over the curd to keep it white
- Watch for
- Cabbage white caterpillars, club root, cabbage root fly
Companion planting for Cauliflower
Grows well with:
Keep apart from:
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Cauliflower FAQs
When should I sow Cauliflower in the UK?
In the UK, sow Cauliflower in March. Sowing across these months gives the plant the right soil temperature and day length to establish well.
What grows well with Cauliflower?
Cauliflower grows well alongside Beetroot, Celery, Dill, French Marigold, Pot Marigold, Mint. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
What should you not plant near Cauliflower?
Keep Cauliflower away from Strawberry, Beef Tomato, Cherry Tomato, which can compete with it or share pests and diseases.
How much sun does Cauliflower need?
Cauliflower prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Cauliflower ready to harvest?
Cauliflower is typically ready to harvest in June, July, August, September, October, November in the UK.
Is Cauliflower easy to grow?
Challenging. Fussy — bolts at the slightest stress. Bend leaves over curd to keep it white.