Having cauliflower in your own garden means a big bounty of the healthy vegetable which is related to broccoli. Today we'll show you how to grow cauliflower plant in pots or containers! The cauliflower plant is not as easy to grow as some other vegetables, but it also doesn't require a lot of space or sun. Cauliflower is a cold weather crop, meaning it will not thrive in tropical climates, but rather in cooler, more temperate weather.
The main trick to growing cauliflower is planting it in early spring. Cauliflower thrives in consistently cooler weather (in the 60s F) and full sun. You'll also need to provide the plant with rich soil and adequate nutrients.
Be wary of “buttoning”. This is when a cauliflower plant makes tiny button-sized heads, and this will happen when the plant is under duress. This can either be from temperatures that are too extreme – either too hot or too cold. Additionally, it can also mean poor soil quality or drought.
How to Grow Cauliflower in Pots
Source: FabWeb
Starting Seeds:
- For a spring crop, start your cauliflower seeds 10 weeks before your last average frost date. For a fall crop, start your cauliflower seeds 12 weeks before your average frost date.
- Fill plastic nursery pots with potting soil and leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
- Place about 4 cauliflower seeds in the middle of each pot and cover with soil.
- Keep the soil moist, but not wet.
- Once seedlings have started, place the pots in a sunny place such as a windowsill.
- Once seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin to just one.
- Keep the soil moist and in a sunny place until your seedlings are ready to be transplanted to a bigger pot.
Growing Cauliflower in Containers:
- Fill your pots or containers with potting soil and leave about an inch at the top.
- Gently and slowly remove your cauliflower seedlings from their nursery pots.
- Make a hole in the middle of the pot where you'll be transplanting your new cauliflower seedling.
- Transplant your cauliflower seedling into the new container and cover the roots.
- Water your cauliflower plant just enough for the soil to be moist.
- Feed the plants with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.
- Place container outdoors four weeks before your last average frost date for a spring crop or six weeks before your first average frost date for a fall crop.
Caring for Your Cauliflower Plant
- Fertilize your cauliflower plant once every 4 weeks with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. The soil should be rich in organic matter.
- Never allow the soil the dry out – keep it consistently moist.
- Ensure that your cauliflower plants receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Harvesting Cauliflower
- Your cauliflower is ready for harvest once it reaches the desired size.
- Simply cut the cauliflower head at the base, leaving the leaves.
- Then, pull the plant out and compost the rest.
- Plant again next season.
Happy Planting!
