Cauliflower

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) is an annual plant in the Brassicaceae family. There are many varieties from the most common white cauliflower to orange, purple or green.

Purple cauliflower contains antioxidants called anthocyanins which give it it's distinct color. It should be lighty steamed,boiled or pan fryed to maintain the bright coloration. A common variety is "Grafitti" which has very good heat and cold tolerance and requires ~80 days to reach maturity.

Orange cauliflower contains 25% more vitamin A than the white variety which gives it it's orange color. A common variety is "Cheddar" which has very good heat tolerance and good cold tolerance and requires ~58 days to reach maturity.

Green cauliflower is unique in that it comes in the standard "curd" form of normal cauliflower but also in a spiky form know as Romanesco broccoli.A common variety is "Veronica" which has very good heat and cold tolerance and requires ~78 days to reach maturity.

Climate/Season
Zones 3 and warmer

Grow as spring and fall crops in cool-spring clmiates, and as a winter vegetable in mild climates.

Germinating/Planting
Cauliflower seeds should be germintated from around 45F-85F and takes 4-7 days to germinate.

Cauliflower prefers:

-well drained soil

-full sun

-a soil pH of 6.0-7.5

Seeds should be sown 4-6 before the last frost, indoors or in a greenhouse. Seeds should be sown 2"-3" apart and 1/2"-3/4" deep. Seedlings should be transplanted 15"-24" apart in rows 24"-36" apart. Young seedlings should be kept at ~60F. Transplanting should be done when plants have 4-5 true leaves. Wait until the soil temperature is at least 50F and there is no more liklihood of a frost occuring. Cauilflower has a shallow root system so mulching to reduce weed competition and maintain moisture is advisable.