How do I grow Cauliflowers from seed?

Cauliflowers work well when sown in a seedbed. Prepare a cold frame with forked and raked soil from April to May. You can sow late summer and overwinter in a cold frame as well. Broadcast the seed over the seedbed (to sow seed, stand with your back to the breeze and flick the seed out at waist height). Sow about ¾ inch deep (2cm), taking care to spread them evenly. Transplant your cauliflowers when big enough to handle or to prevent slug damage, grow them on until there are around six leaves on small plants. For their final growing spot, dig in some good organic matter/well-rotted manure into the planting area and sprinkle a few comfrey pellets. Give them good spacing, as they need room to grow and like most veg, enjoy the sunshine, so avoid planting too near trees or hedges. Consolidate cauliflowers well by firmly planting the soil around the plant and water in thoroughly.

How do I take care of Cauliflowers?

Keep an eye out for caterpillars and pigeons. A decent net or cage for protection will help. Why not try making a scarecrow as a family activity? It’s also a good idea to pick over any dead or yellowing leaves. Timing of harvest is important: keep a close eye and before florets start to uncurl, use a sharp knife to cut through the stem below the flower.

Cauliflower Seeds

Easier to grow than you might imagine, cauliflowers are a veg garden classic that can be grown almost all year round. Delicious served with cheese sauce as part of a Sunday roast, they can also be used as an alternative to flour for things like pizza bases, or blitzed into a low-calorie version of rice. One of the joys of sowing your own vegetable seeds is that you can try unusual varieties like purple cauliflowers or the highly decorative Romanesco types.

What makes Cauliflower seeds special?

Cauliflower is versatile and full of vitamins. Suttons offer many cauliflower varieties not just the classic white cauliflowers like ‘Snowball’ but also ‘Igloo’, a smaller head but full of taste especially when they are just off the plant. Plus for something a bit different try the seed of the almost surreal looking Romanesco Cauliflower seeds.

How to grow Cauliflowers from seed?

Cauliflowers work well when sown in a seed bed. Prepare a cold frame with forked and raked in soil from April to May. You can sow late summer & overwinter in a cold frame also
Broadcast the seed over the seedbed (to sow seed, stand with your back to the breeze and flick the seed out at waist height) Sow about ¾ inch deep (2cm), taking care to spread them evenly.
Transplant your Cauliflowers when big enough to handle or to prevent Slug damage, grow them on until there are around six leaved small plants.
For their final growing spot, dig in some good organic matter / Well-rotted manure into the planting area. Sprinkle a few Comfrey pellets .
Give them good Spacing, they need room to grow and like most veg enjoy the sunshine so avoid planting to near trees or hedges.
It’s important to consolidate Cauliflowers well so make sure you firm the freshly planted soil well around the plant. Water in thoroughly.

Taking care of your Cauliflowers

Keep an eye out for caterpillars and Pigeons, a decent net or cage for protection will help. Why not try making a Scarecrow as a family activity?

It’s good to pick over any dead or yellowing leaves. Timing of harvest is important, keep a close eye and before Florets start to uncurl use a sharp knife to cut through the stem below the flower.

How long does it take cauliflower to grow from seed?

Cauliflower seeds take around 20 to 26 weeks to reach maturity

Learn more about how to grow cauliflower in Suttons' guide, and check out tips from experienced growers at the 'Best expert advice on growing cauliflowers' article.

What our customers say

"Very impressed with the quality of leek and broad bean seeds you sent. Excellent germination and look forward to a bumper crop. Will certainly be back."

E. Smyth

“I bought all my seeds, potatoes, etc. from your catalogue last year for my new ‘larger’ vegetable garden. I have to say I have never had such success in the garden. The germination was excellent; the quality of plant stock and produce is superb."

Sadie

“I am compelled to write to you and your staff for the exemplary service provided by your company, in an age where the word and term ‘service’ has lost its meaning.”

M. Willingham

Suttons Gardening Club

Become a Member

Cauliflower Seeds

What makes Cauliflower seeds special?

How to grow Cauliflowers from seed?

Taking care of your Cauliflowers

How long does it take cauliflower to grow from seed?

Company Information

Customer Services

Useful Links