Vegetable · Brassicaceae family
cauliflower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
In short a 10-second read
Cauliflower (vegetable) grows to 0.3–1.2 m tall and 0.3–0.6 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in March–April. Plant out in May–June. Harvest in May–November.
× spread 0.3–0.6 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 5.5–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Sowing
sow indoors: March–April
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–June
Harvest
May–November
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow cauliflower?
In March–April (sow indoors).
When is cauliflower harvested?
In May–November.
Does cauliflower tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does cauliflower need?
At maturity 0.3–0.6 m wide and 0.3–1.2 m tall; recommended spacing 50 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (7)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Brassica oleracea
- RHS — Cauliflower — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
- EPPO Global Database — Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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